Obesity rates in the UK have skyrocketed over the past 30 years, with an estimated 26 percent of adults now categorised as obese – that’s a staggering 17.41 million people. New research from MyFitnessPal suggests that millions could be falling victim to a common dieting error – portion control.
A third of those surveyed admitted they never consider how portion size impacts weight gain or loss. Only half of the participants in the study regularly check food packaging for suggested portion sizes, while a whopping 73 per cent never weigh their food.
When quizzed about pasta serving sizes, 47 per cent cook two or more handfuls per person – equating to 150 grams or more – despite the NHS recommending a portion size of just 75 grams per person (approximately one handful). Similarly, 48 per cent consume an average of 150 grams of uncooked rice or more per serving, yet according to the NHS, the portion size should be half that (75 grams) or one and half handfuls.
Other foods we are overindulging in include cereal, with the average Brit filling their bowl to the brim (50 percent) when the suggested serving size from the NHS is just 40 grams. Nearly half of us are enjoying an average of 40 grams of cheese, compared to the recommended serving of 30 grams, while 75 per cent of us are eating a medium or large potato, when experts recommend a small spud, the size of a small fist, per person.
The study, orchestrated by MyFitnessPal to kick off its new partnership with the British Obesity Society – a charity ardently committed to tackling obesity in the UK, shed light on the common struggle with portion sizes. Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, and head of nutrition at MyFitnessPal, explains: “These findings highlight a common challenge when it comes to portion control.
“Many people are uncertain when it comes to appropriate serving sizes, and may double or triple recommended amounts, which may lead to higher calorie consumption and could contribute to weight gain overtime.”
She emphasises the value of using nutrition tracking apps for making informed decisions: “By paying more attention to portion sizes and using a nutrition tracking app, we can make more informed choices that better support our health goals, while bringing awareness to recommended serving sizes, calorie and macro goals, as well as nutrients that may impact our progress such as fibre, total and added sugar, salt, saturated fat content and more,” reports Gloucestershire Live.
Melissa reiterates the need for education and practical tools in managing obesity: “Addressing and supporting those with overweight and obesity requires both education and accessible tools to empower people to make better choices,” says Melissa.
“Through our partnership with the British Obesity Society, we aim to raise awareness for the importance of behaviour change through nutrition tracking, while providing their community with 1,000 free MyFitnessPal premium subscriptions to help Brits track their food and understand their nutritional needs.”
Instead of opting for a balanced diet or keeping an eye on portion sizes, four out of 10 Brits would give fasting a go to shed weight, while nearly a third would swap meals for replacement shakes.
