Are their eyes bigger than their stomachs? : investigating primary school pupils' food portion sizes

Abstract

Obesity is increasingly becoming the most prevalent childhood disease in Europe (National Task Force on Obesity, 2005). Large food portions are seen to be one of the possible risk factors. This study conducted with Year 5 Primary school pupils' in one Primary school in Malta investigated food portion sizes, in relation to their weight status. Also, a focus group session with a group of Year 5 pupils delved in-depth on aspects related to portion sizes. Through the distribution of questionnaires to a cohort of one hundred and twenty-three guardians, the study tested whether the respondents gave importance to the size of the portion, as well as their views on the ideal food portions for 8 to 10 year olds. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between the weight status of the participants and the size of their portion sizes. In fact, 31.81% (7) out of the 45.45% (10) participants who opted for portions larger than one food guide serving (for more then ten times), were found to be overweight, at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Results also showed that guardians were not confident when it came to portion sizes. In fact, for two food groups, the majority reported as ideal portions ones which were larger than one food guide serving with 50.24% (309) and 57.56% (354) respectively. For children to keep portions small, these should be compared to the size of their fist which is approximately the size of their stomach and about the size of one food serving. A bookmark was prepared to assist the children in establishing the food portions equivalent to one food guide serving. In this way the children will not consume more servings than their individual daily requirements.