A team of experimental psychologists have warned that imposing tougher regulations on the sale of junk food and the promotion of diet foods could lead to an increase in binge eating. The researchers from Bristol University found that when people were offered special low calorie food, they were more likely to help themselves to larger portions.
The volunteers were offered 18 different types of food. Once they had worked out the calorie content, they were asked to assess their portions in terms of how full they would make them feel. Most volunteers, when faced with the low-calorie options, overcompensates and gave themselves larger portions, meaning that they were consuming as many calories as when they were offered the fattier foods.
A separate study done by the same team showed that children who were not allowed sugary or unhealthy treats responded by binging when given the chance, as they were unable to assess how much they should eat. When offered six unhealthly snacks and asked to estimate what would be too much to eat, those who were allowed to buy crisps and sweets were better able to guess the calorie levels.
Dr. Brunstrom, who lead the study, said that the findings showed that restricting access to unhealthy foods actually stopped people being able to learn about their properties. He warned that when children did eventually get access to calorific treats after not being allowed them, it might lead them to take larger amounts.