Beware of Tubby Tots - regulation of food portion size

Vibrant Life, July, 2000

Very young children have a natural capacity to self-regulate their food intake. But new research shows that sometime between age 3 and 5 years children learn to ignore internal hunger signals and respond to other cues, including size of food portions on their plate. A small study at Pennsylvania State University found 5-year-olds ate more at meals when served larger size portions, while 3-year-olds ate the same amount of food regardless of portion size.

Serving children more than recommended portions encourages them to eat more than is necessary or prudent for their long-term good health.