Identifying Barriers to Reducing Portion Size: A Qualitative Focus Group Study of British Men and Women.

Jennifer Ferrar,Danielle Ferriday,Peter J Rogers,Duncan C Mccaig,Hendrik J Smit

doi:10.3390/nu11051054

Abstract

Reducing portion size might reduce meal satisfaction, which could minimize adherence to portion size interventions. The present study sought to identify the perceived barriers for consumers to eat smaller portions. A secondary aim explored the relative contribution of enjoyment of taste and post-meal fullness as determinants of meal satisfaction. Focus groups (N = 42) evaluated consumers’ feelings toward a small reduction in portion size. Thematic analysis of written free association tasks and open-ended group discussions revealed that most participants expected to feel hungry and unsatisfied, which motivated them to consume something else. However, others expected to feel comfortable, healthy, and virtuous. The acceptability of the reduced portion was also determined by meal characteristics (e.g., time and setting) and individual characteristics (e.g., predicted energy requirements). Compared to post-meal fullness, enjoyment of taste was perceived to be the more important determinant of meal satisfaction. In conclusion, interventions should present portion reduction as a marginal modification with little physiological consequence to energy reserves, while emphasizing the positive feelings (e.g., comfort, satisfaction, and self-worth) experienced after consuming a smaller portion. Additionally, focusing on taste enjoyment (rather than fullness) might be a useful strategy to maintain meal satisfaction despite a reduction in meal size.

Highlights

Individuals with overweight or obesity may be faced with profound negative health consequences, which, in turn, can have a huge economic impact on both an individual and societal level [1].Being overweight or obese is largely preventable [2]
We chose to use focus groups and included men and women of various ages to encourage a diverse set of perspectives [31]
We note that many of the participants who discussed positives associated with portion reduction added qualifying statements such as, “If wanted to lose weight . . . I think that would be a perfectly acceptable size,” “I may need some snacks in an hour or so, or a drink with this meal may be more satisfactory,”

Summary

Introduction

Individuals with overweight or obesity may be faced with profound negative health consequences, which, in turn, can have a huge economic impact on both an individual and societal level [1]. Being overweight or obese is largely preventable [2]. Several researchers have suggested that larger portions are a contributing factor to increasing rates of obesity [6,8,9]. Consistent with this hypothesis, individuals consume more food and non-alcoholic beverages when served larger portions, than when served smaller portions [10]

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