Adults Eat 92 Percent of Food on Their Plate: Study

A study reveals adults generally eat 92 percent of the food on their plate.

The rules of etiquette while eating advise against overloading plates with entrees, desserts and meal courses in large servings to prevent wastage. Recent research by the Cornell University found adults are more likely to eat maximum food portions served on the plate. They looked at the dining habits of 1,179 individuals living in the U.S., Canada, France, Taiwan, Korea, Finland and the Netherlands.

The results showed the subjects, both men and women, irrespective of their nationality ate 92 percent of the food items in their plate proving they belong to the 'clean plate club'. But these behaviors are only typical among adults who unlike children tend to serve themselves food in quantities they can always manage to eat.

The experts also examined dining behaviors in 326 participants aged below 18 and noted they ate 59 percent of whatever is served.

"This might be because kids are less certain about whether they will like a particular food. Regardless, this is good news for parents who are frustrated that their kids don't clean their plate. It appears few of them do," said Brian Wansink, study author and professor of marketing and director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab, in a news release.

The authors believe the study helps in understanding one's appetite and eating food in appropriate quantities without causing any wastage or overeating.

"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. Next time you grab that serving spoon, think to yourself. How much do I want to eat?" added Wansink.

More information is available online in the International Journal of Obesity.