The Effect of Television Viewing and Portion Size on Intake During a Meal

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to investigate the independent and interactive effects of television viewing and portion size on consumption during a meal.MethodsTo test the influence of TV viewing and portion size on meal consumption in healthy weight adults, a 4X2X2 mixed factorial design was used, with a between‐subject factor of order of conditions and within‐subject factors of TV viewing (TV vs. NO TV) and portion size (SMALL vs. LARGE). Seventeen women and three men (21.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 22.3 ± 3.7 years), who were predominately white (80%), and non‐Hispanic (95%), were randomized to one of four orders of conditions that varied in TV viewing and portion size of food. For the TV viewing conditions, individuals viewed a 30‐minute show (Scandal), which contained no commercials or food cues (TV), or sat quietly for 30 minutes (NO TV). For the portion size conditions, participants received 500 g macaroni and cheese (998 kcal) and 150 g salad with dressing (85 kcal), providing a total of 1083 kcal (SMALL); or 1000 g macaroni and cheese (1996 kcal) and 300 g salad with dressing (170 kcal), providing a total of 2166 kcal (LARGE). Dependent variables were grams and energy consumed during the meal.ResultsMixed factorial analyses of variance revealed a significant main effect of portion size on grams and energy consumed. Participants consumed more grams (577.9 ± 150.5 g vs. 453.1 ± 96.6 g; p<0.001) and more energy (903.9 ± 270.4 kcal vs. 734.6 ± 187.1 kcal; p<0.002) when provided a larger portion size. A significant main effect of TV viewing or interaction of TV viewing x portion size was not found.ConclusionWatching TV did not increase intake during a meal. Greater gram and energy intake occurred when larger portion sizes were provided. To assist with reducing intake, smaller portion sizes should be implemented in all types of eating situations.Support or Funding InformationN/A