Difference in Volume Perception According to Beverage or Cup Color in Normal Weight and Obese College Students

Lee, Myung Ok; Hong, Ji Won; Chang, Un Jae

Abstract

We examined the perception of volume in college students with a normal weight versus those students with obesity. College students were divided into a normal weight group (<23 body mass index, n=121) and an obese group (> or =23 body mass index, n=110), The perception of volume was measured under different beverage colors (colorless, black, yellow, and blue) and cup colors (colorless, black, yellow, and blue) containing the same amount of liquid (150 ml). We found that the normal weight group perceived significantly more liquid in a cup with a blue beverage versus a colorless one. The obese group perceived significantly more liquid in a cup with a yellow or blue beverage versus a colorless one. In terms of cup color, the normal weight group perceived significantly more liquid in a black color cup compared to a blue color cup. However, there were no differences in perceived volume according to the color of cup among the obese group. There were no significant differences in the perceived volume between the normal and obese group under all conditions tested. In conclusion, beverage and cup color effects volume perception in normal weight students, while only beverage color effects volume perception in obese students. Therefore, controlling, the color of beverages and cups may help to control the consumption of drinks.