How has serving sizes changed over past years?

Serving sizes have generally increased over the past few decades. This trend is particularly pronounced in the United States, where the average serving size of many foods has doubled or even tripled since the 1970s.

Here are some examples of how serving sizes have changed over time:

* A serving of regular soda: 8 ounces (236 ml) in 1970, 20 ounces (591 ml) in 2013

* A serving of french fries: 2 ounces (57 grams) in 1970, 4 ounces (113 grams) in 2013

* A serving of ice cream: 1/2 cup (118 ml) in 1970, 1 cup (236 ml) in 2013

* A serving of cereal: 1 ounce (28 grams) in 1970, 1.5 ounces (42 grams) in 2013

This increase in serving sizes is a major contributing factor to the rise in obesity rates in the United States and other countries. When people consume larger portions of food, they are more likely to overeat and gain weight.

In addition to increasing the risk of obesity, larger serving sizes can also contribute to other health problems, such as:

* Heart disease: Eating large portions of food can increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

* Type 2 diabetes: Eating large portions of food can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin resistance.

* Stroke: Eating large portions of food can increase the risk of stroke by increasing the risk of blood clots.

To avoid the health risks associated with large serving sizes, it is important to be aware of the recommended serving sizes for different foods and to limit your intake accordingly. You can also use smaller plates and bowls to help you control your portion sizes.