VANCOUVER, Quebec, Sep 23, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Other people's weight, food
choices and portions can influence how much people eat, Canadian and U.S.
researchers have found.
Brent McFerran and Darren W. Dahl, both of the University of British Columbia,
Gavan J. Fitzsimons of Duke University and Andrea C. Morales of Arizona State
University recruited 210 college students to participate in a study that was
ostensibly about watching movies.
The study participants were told they would be paired with another student, who
was actually a member of the research team. The undercover researcher met with
some of the study participants as she naturally appears -- size 0, 105 pounds --
but donned an "obesity prosthesis" -- which made her appear size 16 and 180
pounds -- when meeting with others. The undercover researcher was served first,
and helped herself to either a large or small serving.
"Our findings indicate that the size of the person you dine with matters much
less than the size of the meal they order," the study authors said. "If a
heavy-set colleague eats a lot, you are likely to adjust your behavior and eat
less. But a thin friend who eats a lot may lead you to eat more than you
normally would."
The findings were published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International