Research: Weight Management

Calcium's Weight Management Benefits are Internationally Recognized

Recently, international research has contributed to existing evidence that calcium, and specifically calcium from dairy products, plays a positive role in weight management. A study from Iran (1), published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that those who ate more dairy foods were less likely to be overweight than those who consumed less dairy foods.

At the 13th European Congress on Obesity in May 2004 (2), several presentations and research abstracts highlighted the dairy and weight loss connection. One report from Israel showed that women with slimmer waistlines consumed more dietary calcium than their study counterparts. Another study found that children in Italy, Hungary and Greece who ate more dairy daily were less overweight and had lower body fat when compared to children who had poor milk and dairy consumption. Additionally, a report from the Czech Republic found that adults on a low calorie diet lost more weight when they boosted their calcium intake, while other researchers showed that greater calcium intake may counteract weight gain, canceling out the effect of higher calorie intake.

While additional research is under way, many scientists agree that eating three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt each day promotes weight loss as part of a reduced-calorie diet. For more research supporting dairy's role in weight management, see "What the Science Says".

(1) Mirmiran P, et al. Dairy consumption and body mass index: An inverse relationship. International Journal of Obesity. 2005; 29:115-121.
(2) 13th European Congress on Obesity. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders. 2004; Supplement 1 (28).

Dairy Boosts Nutrition, Not Weight, in Girls

Researchers at Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center found that preteen girls who consumed twice as much dietary calcium (mainly from dairy foods) as the control group had more nutritious diets without gaining extra weight. Fifty-nine 9-year-old girls were divided into two groups: Over a two-year period, the calcium-rich group consumed an average of 1,656 mg of calcium per day, while the control group continued their usual diets. Results revealed that the girls in the calcium-rich food group had significantly higher intakes of calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A and D - as well as higher calorie intakes - but did not experience greater increases in weight or body fat. The authors note that other studies have shown similar results, and although preliminary, this study, "... provides support for assuring girls that fear of excessive weight gain is not a reason to stop drinking milk." [Editor's note: Average calcium intake for girls 7 to 13-years-old is only 2/3 of the recommended level and only 55 percent for girls ages 14 to 18.]

Lappe JM, et al. Girls on a high-calcium diet gain weight at the same rate as girls on a normal diet: A pilot study. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2004; 104: 1361-1367.

Studies Find Dairy Foods, Fruit and Fiber Form Pattern that Promotes Healthy Weight

Researchers in Canada (1) found that eating patterns play an important role in tipping the scale in the right direction. The body weight and fat, diet and physical activity of 248 men and women were assessed. The researchers found that eating less fat, more whole fruits and dairy foods, specifically fat free and lowfat milk, was associated with less weight gain over time. In particular, consuming more milk and fruit may be helpful in weight loss or weight maintenance; while consuming high fat foods and simple sugars, such as sweetened beverages like soft drinks, may lead to weight gain.

In a separate study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2), researchers analyzed the diets of 459 healthy men and women. Results showed a diet rich in reduced fat dairy foods (milk, cheese and yogurt) and high in fiber may help control age-related weight gain in women and gains in waist circumference in both sexes. The researchers speculate that these findings may be due to the effect fiber, carbohydrate, or calories have on appetite or the positive role that milk, cheese and yogurt may play in weight and body fat loss.

(1) Drapeau G, et al. Modifications in food-group consumption are related to long-term body-weight changes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004; 80: 29-37.
(2) Newby PK, et al. Food patterns measured by factor analysis and anthropometric changes in adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004; 80: 504-13.

Beverage Choice Has An Impact On Weight

What can be done to reduce obesity in the United States? Drinking fewer soft drinks and fruit drinks and getting three servings of dairy a day may help. Researchers explored the changes in beverage consumption of 73,345 individuals ages two and older between 1977 and 2001. The results showed the amount of energy that Americans are getting from soft drinks has nearly tripled since 1977, while the amount of energy from milk has declined about 30 percent. These changes took place most often in the home and led to an overall increase in calories. The authors note that the decrease in milk consumption is a critical public health issue. [Editor's note: Milk, with its unique nutrient package of nine essential nutrients, may help maintain a healthy weight in addition to lowering high blood pressure and strengthening bones.]

Nielsen J, et al. Changes in beverage intake between 1977 and 2001. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2004; 2 (3): 205-210.