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Researchers have linked obesity to the increase in quantity of portion sizes and caloric content of takeaway food. One reason for the obesity epidemic, say some experts, is the growth in take away food and the size of food portions. But that's been people's opinions rather than based in fact. A recent study from the United States has confirmed the belief. It took food survey information on tens of thousands of people aged over two years of age across a time span of about 20 years. Several interesting trends emerged. Firstly the percentage of calories consumed at home declined, suggesting people were eating out more. Secondly the calorie intake went up and thirdly food portion sizes increased significantly. The average salty snack went up by 93 calories, soft drinks by nearly 50 calories and hamburgers by nearly 100 calories. Most of the increases were in fast food establishments except for hamburgers, cheese burgers and desserts where the increases were greater at home than outside. The only takeaway food which didn't change was pizza. The authors' concluded that it's not enough to teach us the right foods to eat, we've got to control the quantity as well. All this talk is making me peckish - what about you? 
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