Article Summary - Research Paper Example

Research Article Summary The Contribution of Expanding Portion Sizes to the US Obesity Epidemic There has been an increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight cases in the United States. Obesity has thus been a subject of investigation by many researchers within and outside of the United States. The problems of overweight and obesity in the United States can be attributed to a variety of factors, including cultural, social, environmental and behavioral (Wellman, 708). This paper summaries the research conducted by Lisa Young and Marion Nestle presented in the article titled “The Contribution of Expanding Portion Sizes to the US Obesity Epidemic (2002).

” Objectives: The main objectives of the research were to measure food samples, examine the historical changes in food sizes and compare these sizes to the authorized federal standards. Methods: information about current food portion was obtained by sampling foods sold meant for immediate consumption from fast-food outlets, take-out joints and family-type restaurants (Young & Nestle, 246). Some of the foods sampled include alcoholic beverages, cakes and steak. This information was obtained directly from the manufacturers or from the package labels.

If the information was unavailable, two samples of each food were weighed using Sysco Digital Portion Scale (Young & Nestle, 246). Results: Most of the portions weighed were above the standard portion set by USDA and FDA. The only exception was the sliced white bread. The cookie category posted the largest excess over the set USDA standards by 700%. The other categories exceeded the USDA standards by the following percentages: cooked pasta (480%), muffins (333%), steaks (224%) and bagels (195%).

however, other foods such as beer, chocolate, French fires and hamburgers did not exceed the set limits (Young & Nestle, 246). the research also revealed that food companies use larger food sizes compared to what was used two decades ago. the trend towards increasing portion sizes started in the 1970s. increasing sharply in the 1980s to present (Young & Nestle, 246). Discussion and conclusion: the researchers observe that the food portions in the marketplace have increased steadily since the 1970s, and this can be attributed to the fact that the food service industry in the United States has been on a steady growth.

This has led to a larger number of new food products being introduced. Competition has also made manufacturers increase portions in order to attract customers. As a result of the increased sizes, the number of claries consumed has increased. Furthermore, there has been a ‘supersizing’ of menu items, making them larger than they were a couple of decades before. The authors conclude that there is need to focus on portion size as one of the strategies of managing weight and energy intake. There is also need to explain to the public on the relationship between portion size, weight gain and caloric intake.

Federal agencies need to ensure that the served portions standards are consistent. The above study highlights one of the ignored yet influential factors contributing to weight gain and obesity in the United States. The approach used by the researchers captures the key foods that contribute energy to the United States, and this shows how the issue of portion sizes contributes to obesity. The authors also give important recommendations that can help enlighten the public on the importance of reduced portion sizes in the fight against obesity.

Furthermore, the study reminds the various federal agencies in the United States realize that food manufacturers do not adhere to the set standards and regulations. Whereas the study focused on portion sizes alone, the findings suggest that there is need for further scrutiny of other aspects of these foods including nutritional content and safety considerations. Works CitedWellman, Nancy. “Causes and consequences of adult obesity: health, social and economic impacts in the United States. “ Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.

11, 2002: S705-S709Young, Lisa and Nestle, Marion. “The Contribution of Expanding Portion Sizes to the US Obesity Epidemic.” American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 92 No. 2, 2002: 24-249