Difference in Volume Perception according to Cup Shape in Normal Weight and Overweight Female College Students

Abstract

The volume perception of water according to cup shape was examined in female college students divided into a normal weight group (<23 body mass index, n=51) and an overweight group (≥23 body mass index, n=48). The perceived water volume was recorded by participants after they observed the water volume in cups with different shape (highball and tumbler) and with different base height (high base and low base), which contained the same amount of water (150 ml). The normal weight group perceived a water volume of 238.5 ml (highball) and 201.6 ml (tumbler) for the high base cups. The overweight group perceived a volume of 245.6 ml (highball) and 188.8 ml (tumbler). For the low base cups, the normal weight group perceived a water volume of 207.8 ml (highball) and 104.1 ml (tumbler). The overweight group perceived a volume of 202.2 ml (highball) and 100.4 ml (tumbler). Both the normal weight and overweight groups perceived significantly more liquid in the highball cups compared to the tumbler cups. In addition, both groups perceived significantly more liquid in the high base cups compared to the low base cups. However, there were no significant differences in the estimated variance of perceived volume between the normal weight and overweight groups according to the cup shape and cup base height. In conclusion, cup shape and base height potentially affects volume perception. Therefore, modifying cup shape may be used in a weight control program to help control caloric beverage consumption.