Study finds small snacks encourage eating more: called “sneaky small sins”

by William Atkins

Monday, 25 August 2008

Page 2 of 3 They found that the subjects ate the least number of potato chips when they had “dieting concerns” and when the package size was large. Specifically, the subjects were less likely to open the large packages and when they did open the packages of potato chips they deliberated much longer with the larger packages than with the smaller packages. Further, the researchers stated, “Specifically, activating self-regulatory concerns had no consumption effects when tempting products came in small package formats. Yet, when tempting products came in large package formats, consumers deliberated most before consumption, were least likely to consume, and consumed the least. This illustrates how small temptations can remain undetected (“flying under the radar”) and large package formats may reduce consumption as a result of the experienced self-control conflict.” The researchers discovered that when people were confronted with large packages of treats the larger size was perceived as a temptation, so the consumers were much more cautious about overeating. However, small packages were perceived by people as “innocent pleasures” and consumers were much more likely to be unaware that they were actually eating much more of the snacks than they thought. The authors wrote in their paper, “The increasing availability of single-serve and multi-packs may not serve consumers in the long-run, but—because they are considered to be innocent pleasures—may turn out to be sneaky small sins.” The researchers also stated, “Maybe the answer lies in consumers taking responsibility for their consumption and monitoring internal cues of sufficiency, rather than letting package size take control.” [ScienceDaily.com: “Snacks In Small Packages May Lead To Overeating”] Page three discusses a viewpoint by the National Health Service, which says the conclusions are not valid. Please read on. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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