New research shows larger cups and plates, oversized food portions and supersized deals are driving Queenslanders to overconsume, putting their health at risk.
A new study* has found people consistently consume more food and drink when offered larger-sized portions, packages or tableware than when offered smaller-sized versions.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said poor portion choices, upsize deals and simply bigger plates and bowls could increase the risk of chronic disease.
“Consuming too much food and drink can lead to weight gain, which fast-tracks the risk of many diseases, including some cancers,” Ms Clift said.
“More than 58 per cent of Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only 5.5 per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily**.
“Having a poor diet and poor knowledge about appropriate portion sizes leads to poor health and wellbeing.
“We encourage consumers to be aware of how much food and drink they serve themselves, and to pay attention to the size of plates, bowls and cups.
“Using smaller tableware and being mindful when eating can help to limit overconsumption. It’s important to stop eating when full.”
The research found people of all sizes ate and drank more when presented with more – regardless of sex, age or weight.
Cancer Council Queensland recommends all Queenslanders learn to portion their plates at home for a healthy lifestyle.
“As a general rule, salads and vegetables should make up the biggest proportion of your plate – aim for at least five serves of vegetables every day,” Ms Clift said.
“Aim to fill about a quarter of your plate with carbohydrate-based foods like wholegrain bread, a medium sized potato, quinoa, rice or polenta.
“The final quarter of your plate should be a source of protein – think cooked lean meats, poultry, fish or eggs, lentils, chickpeas and nuts.”
Queensland schools, workplaces, childcare centres and sports clubs are invited to join CCQ’s QUEST to reduce portion sizes and eat healthier diets at quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*http://aus.cochrane.org/news/larger-portions-packages-and-tableware-lead-higher-consumption-food-and-drink
**https://www.health.qld.gov.au/epidemiology/documents/srhs-hhs-2013.pdf
Statewide statistics:
- More than 58 per cent of Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only 5.5 per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 58 per cent of Far North Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only seven per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 62 per cent of North Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only about four per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 70 per cent of Central Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only six per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 66 per cent of Mackay adults are overweight or obese and only about five per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 60 per cent of Wide Bay adults are overweight or obese and only six per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 53 per cent of Gold Coast adults are overweight or obese and less than five per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 49 per cent of Sunshine Coast adults are overweight or obese and only seven per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.
- More than 67 per cent of South West Queensland adults are overweight or obese and only seven per cent eat enough fruits and veggies daily.