Scientists have called for a major rethink in the way we present and portion food, after new research found that larger-sized portions may be playing a key role in fuelling the obesity crisis.

Around two thirds of UK adults are overweight and obese, placing them at heightened risk of an early death. This problem has grown in recent years, at a time when the portion sizes of many popular selling foods in supermarkets have significantly increased.

The new findings from the University of Cambridge – published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – have thrown up evidence that people consume more food or non-alcoholic drinks when offered larger sized portions, or when they use larger items of tableware.

Conducting a systematic review 61 high quality studies, the scientists concluded that

sustained reductions in exposure to large sizes could reduce average daily energy consumed from food by up to 16 per cent among UK adults (equivalent of 279 kcals per day) or by up to 29 per cent among US adults (527 kcals per day).

“At the moment, it is all too easy – and often better value for money – for us to eat or drink too much,” said Ian Shemilt, who co-led the review.

“The evidence is compelling now that actions that reduce the size, availability and appeal of large servings can make a difference to the amounts people eat and drink, and we hope that our findings will provide fresh impetus for discussions on how this can be achieved in a range of public sector and commercial settings.”

The researchers have suggested a range of potential actions to tackle overeating, such as placing limits on serving sizes of energy-dense foods and drinks, or on the sizes of crockery, cutlery and glasses provided to consume them; making larger portion sizes less accessible; and making single portion sizes clearer in packaging through wrapping or a visual cue.

However, they say a number of these actions are likely to require regulation or legislation, helped by active demand from the public for changes to the food environment.