Ist das wirklich eine Delboeuf-Illusion oder kommt es tatsächlich auf die Tellergröße an?
Lena Bauer
2026-03-19
3 Min. Lesezeit
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Die anhaltenden Probleme der Epidemiologie erfordern eine ständige Suche nach ihren Ursachen und Lösungen. Die beiden entgegengesetzten Probleme der modernen westlichen Welt - Übergewicht und Anorexie - erfordern weiteren Wissensaufbau und die Entwicklung effektiverer Behandlungsmethoden. Es stellt sich heraus, dass in beiden Fällen, scheinbar unbedeutende Umweltfaktoren einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Art und Weise der Ernährung und die Menge des verzehrten Essens haben können. Zu diesen scheinbar unbedeutenden Faktoren gehören m.a. Farbe und Größe der Schüsseln. Wie beeinflussen diese Faktoren unser Gehirn? Kann die richtige Größe eines Tellers ein entscheidender Faktor in der Behandlung und Prävention sein?
This is Delboeuf's illusion
To try to explain some of the mechanisms that govern our food choices, let's go back to 1865, when Delbouf made some observations. He showed that there was some visual illusion associated with seeing the dimensions of circles. Between two circles of the same dimensions, the one surrounded by a circle of larger diameter, seemed to be smaller than the circle surrounding it by a smaller diameter. Both of these dark circles actually have these same dimensions.
Is there an effective method to circumvent the Delboeuf optical illusion when assessing portion sizes?
Two fundamental factors shape our perception of portion sizes: the mechanism of contrast and the phenomenon of similarity. The contrast between the edges of the food portion itself and the boundaries of the plate significantly amplifies the effect of this well-documented visual illusion. One strategic approach to mitigating this effect involves the use of tableware lacking distinctly defined borders—such as plates without a dark rim that further accentuates their contours. Meanwhile, the similarity effect, which likewise diminishes the sharpness of vessel boundaries, operates on a comparable principle. For instance, opting for a tablecloth in a more subdued hue—white, for example—instead of a black one that starkly emphasizes the shape and dimensions of a white plate causes the dish’s edges to blur to some degree, thereby preserving an undistorted perception of portion size. Furthermore, mindful focus on the act of eating facilitates subconscious calibration of the amount of food consumed. It is no coincidence that experts emphasize the importance of dining in a conducive, tranquil environment free from distractions. While one might assume that food intake is solely governed by personal willpower, cognitive factors—such as the optical illusions discussed—must not be overlooked. To minimize the risk of misjudging portion sizes, it is advisable to serve food with full awareness and concentration, while also carefully selecting tableware. It is equally important to recognize that even a modest but consistent caloric surplus can, over time, contribute to gradual weight gain.
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