Shrinking the size of kids' plates and bowls and encouraging them to eat more frequently throughout the day may help them eat less and keep off extra weight, new research suggests.

In one study, researchers found first-graders served themselves smaller portions when using miniaturized dishware - and ate less food when they had less on their plate.

Another review of past research found kids and teens who ate most often during the day were 22 percent less likely to be overweight than those who ate the fewest meals and snacks.