Drinking Milk Does Not Combat Obesity, Experts Conclude

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 by: David Gutierrez, staff writer
Tags: cow's milk, health news, Natural News

(NaturalNews) There is no evidence that dairy consumption helps people lose weight, according to a study conducted by researchers published in the journal Nutrition Review.

The researchers reviewed the results of 49 different clinical trials that examined the connection between either dairy or calcium supplement consumption on changes in body weight. An overwhelming 41 studies showed no effect on body weight from dairy consumption, while five showed a correlation with weight loss and two showed a correlation with weight gain. One study found no impact on weight but a decrease in the accumulation of body fat.

While some weight gain might expected to naturally occur in children and this might obscure the effects of dairy, the researchers pointed out that 20 of the studies looked only at dairy's effects on the weight of adult participants.

The researchers suggested that the handful of studies that found a connection between dairy and weight loss or gain were probably influenced by other, correlated factors. Prior research has demonstrated that dairy consumption is correlated with higher consumption of whole grain and fruits and vegetables, which may lead to lower body weight. Dairy has also been linked to higher saturated fat intake, which can lead to weight gain.

Another study found that women with a higher calcium intake are less likely to drink or smoke and are more likely to exercise and take vitamin supplements. Calcium intake is also correlated with intakes of dietary fiber, fat and cholesterol.

The dairy industry has recently invested in a marketing campaign touting the supposed weight-loss benefits of its products. But many health experts advise that rather than expecting a single product to function as a miracle food, those wishing to lose weight should instead focus on a balanced diet. This was the opinion expressed by a representative of the British Heart Foundation, commenting on the recent study.