Chip portions in Glasgow 80% too big, obesity charity warns

Chip portions in Glasgow are almost twice the size they should be, new research has shown.

The average portion of chips sold in the city is 80% larger than official guidance set out in 2002, Obesity Action Scotland (OAS) says.

OAS visited 30 takeaways in the city in May and found the average serving of chips to be 380g.

This compares with 210g as set out in official portion size guidance published by the Food Standards Agency in 2002.

Of the 40 samples bought, 37 were bigger - and one weighed 755g.

The smallest portion weighed 120g.

Food Standards Scotland says chips are one of the top five foods or drinks consumed by people outside of the home.

OAS programme lead Lorraine Tulloch said: "From our study, we see a portion of chips has grown significantly since 2002.

"Today's average bag of chips contains around half of the recommended calorie intake for a woman for an entire day.

"It is no wonder that people can put on weight so easily.

"Let us start to improve takeaways and eating out, by ensuring people can opt for smaller portions and are aware of the calorie content of the items they are purchasing."

Scottish ministers published a new diet and healthy weight plan last month, which includes the goal of halving childhood obesity by 2030.