Ithaca, NY – It turns out that the “Clean Plate Club” has no shortage of members.
Researchers from the Cornell University Food and Brand Lab analyzed 1,179 adults and 326 children younger than 18 as part of a study, which included participants from around the globe. They found that the average adult ate 91.7 percent of the food on his or her plate. But the findings were much different for the average child, who ate 59 percent of the food.
The results were nearly identical regardless of gender or nationality, researchers said.
Study author Brian Wansink said the findings could have a positive effect on health by prompting people to select smaller portion sizes rather than loading bigger plates with food.
“Just knowing that you’re likely to consume almost all of what you serve yourself can help you be more mindful of appropriate portion size,” Wansink said in a press release.
The study was published in the June issue of the International Journal of Obesity.
