BRITS ARE UNWITTINGLY CONSUMING DOUBLE THE RECOMMENDED PORTION SIZE OF PASTA AND RICE AT MEALTIMES, SPREADING DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF BUTTER ON TOAST AND FILLING CEREAL BOWLS TO THE BRIM

Obesity levels in the UK have more than tripled in the last 30 years with an estimated 26 percent of adults now classified as obese – 17.41m people.

Yet, new research from MyFitnessPal suggests millions of us could be a victim of this ONE dieting mistake – portion control, with as many as a third (35 percent) admitting they never think about how portion size affects weight gain or loss.

Only half of those who took part in the study (50 percent) ever check food packets for recommended portion sizes, while 73 percent never weigh their food.

In fact, when asked about the serving size of pasta, as many as 47 percent cook two or more handfuls per person – amounting to 150 grams or more – when the NHS recommended portion size is just 75 grams per person (roughly one handful).

Similarly, 48 percent consume an average of 150 grams of uncooked rice or more per serving, yet according to the NHS, the portion size should be half that (75 grams) or one and half handfuls.

Other foods we are overeating include cereal, with the average Brit filling their bowl to the top (50 percent) when the suggested serving size from the NHS is just 40 grams.

And watch out for the cheese, as nearly half of us (46 percent) are tucking into an average of 40 grams, compared to the recommended serving of 30 grams, while 75 percent of us are scoffing a medium or large spud, when experts recommend a little potato, the size of a small fist, per person.

32 percent of those who took part in the survey said they have no grasp on what the recommended portion size for a meal should be.

Over 60s (45 percent) struggle the most, while 18- to 29-year-olds are the most confident (18 percent) that they have their portions under control.

The study was commissioned by MyFitnessPal – the UK’s #1 nutrition and food tracking app – to launch its partnership with the British Obesity Society – a charity dedicated to tackling the critical issue of obesity in the UK.

“These findings highlight a common challenge when it comes to portion control. Many people are uncertain when it comes to appropriate serving sizes, and may double or triple recommended amounts, which may lead to higher calorie consumption and could contribute to weight gain overtime,” says Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, and MyFitnessPal Head of Nutrition.

“By paying more attention to portion sizes and using a nutrition tracking app, we can make more informed choices that better support our health goals, while bringing awareness to recommended serving sizes, calorie and macro goals, as well as nutrients that may impact our progress such as fibre, total and added sugar, salt, saturated fat content and more.”

“Addressing and supporting those with overweight and obesity requires both education and accessible tools to empower people to make better choices,” says Melissa. “Through our partnership with the British Obesity Society, we aim to raise awareness for the importance of behaviour change through nutrition tracking, while providing their community with 1,000 free MyFitnessPal premium subscriptions to help Brits track their food and understand their nutritional needs.”

A quarter (26 percent) admit they fill their plate completely when having dinner, with 41 percent filling it three quarters full.

Four in ten (42 percent) eat in front of the TV resulting in them not paying attention to what they are eating or when they are full, while 32 percent regularly make too much food and eat it anyway.

One in five (22 percent) confess that they eat so quickly that they don’t realise they are full.

78 percent find it hard to stop eating when they are enjoying their food, but despite this, two thirds (61 percent) often go back for seconds.

As a result, 77 percent say they feel uncomfortably full after meals, leaving 17 percent with feelings of guilt.

And rather than eating healthily or monitoring portion control, four in ten (45 percent) say they would try fasting in a bid to drop pounds, while 32 percent would turn to meal replacement shakes.

Diet pills (14 percent), GLP-1 weight loss injections like Ozempic (12 percent) and even gastric surgery (five percent) could also be on the cards for Brits looking to lose weight.

NHS RECOMMENDED PORTION SIZES VS BRITS’ PORTION SIZES

Baked potato – (small fist size) – 65% of Brits always opt for medium (1.5 fist sizes)

Breakfast cereal – 40 grams (small bowl) – 50% of Brits always opt for a full bowl – (50 grams)

Cheddar cheese – 30 grams (small chunk) – 46% of Brits always opt for a medium chunk (40 grams)

Spaghetti / Pasta – 75 grams – 39% of Brits always opt for 150 grams

Rice – 75 grams – 39% of Brits always opt for 150 grams

Butter on toast – one teaspoon – 35% of Brits always opt for two teaspoons

Organize a cooking class in Provence during your next stay in France