AROUND half of us eat meals that are three times the size of a healthy portion.
Researchers found only one in ten people nationwide eat the serving size which is recommended on food labelling.
People in the Midlands are the biggest gluttons with 50 per cent admitting they opt for triple portion sizes.
East Anglia came a close second in the portion table with 49 per cent preferring a treble helping.
The South West came third with 47 per cent, followed by the North West on 42 per cent and the South East on 41 per cent.
Wales came sixth on 37 per cent. North Easterners are the least gluttonous, with only 35 per cent opting for trebles.
Salad dressing company Tigg’s asked 1,037 adults to compare the portions they eat to recommended meal sizes.
Tigg’s Sam James said: “Our analysis found that right across the UK we’re inclined to help ourselves to more food than makers recommend.”
Nutrition expert Samantha Smith said: “Unfortunately people eat with their eyes and bigger and bigger portions have become the norm.
“People eat while watching TV or their phone so aren’t thinking about how much they’re eating.”
“The problem is compounded because all too often people go for convenience foods, takeaways, crisps and cakes which are laden with salt and sugar.
“They are addictive and actually make us want to eat more which can lead to health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and type two diabetes.
“It’s a vicious circle and the only way to break it is to eat healthily because the right foods are more filling meaning smaller portions.”
In 2015, 1.9million UK people were obese. It is expected to be five million by 2035.
The NHS says an adult portion of fruit or veg is 80g — with meat or fish no more than 70g. Puddings should be less than 40g.
