Healthy Weight: Research Synopsis

Large population studies, randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies in humans support a beneficial role for adequate or higher intakes of milk products, as part of a healthy diet, in weight management, and the possible prevention of overweight and obesity in both adults and children.

A review paper published in 2008 documented recent developments regarding the role of calcium and/or milk product intake in weight management as follows:¹

Calcium and milk product intakes are lower than the recommendations for the majority of individuals in Canada and the U.S. This is in parallel to the increased rates of overweight and obesity in both countries;
Low calcium and/or low milk product intakes are associated with greater fat mass in adults;
Low calcium intake predicts excess body weight and fat in children and adolescents;
Adequate or higher intakes of calcium and/or milk products improve body weight and fat loss in low-calcium consumers;
A diet high in milk products preserves fat-free mass during energy restriction;
Calcium deficiency influences the risk to develop metabolic syndrome;
Calcium improves the lipid-lipoprotein profile and decreases visceral adipose tissue accumulation;
Calcium intake promotes fat cell apoptosis (programmed cell death);
A high calcium intake increases fat oxidation in low-calcium consumers;
A high dietary calcium intake increases fecal fat excretion and attenuates postprandial lipidemia;
An inadequate calcium intake negatively influences appetite control;
Calcium is not the only component of milk that has an impact on energy balance. The role of milk proteins (casein and whey) with respect to satiety and food intake regulation is well documented;
Milk proteins may be the best explanation for the association between milk product consumption and healthier body weights.

Research to date has predominantly examined the role of calcium. However, several studies indicate that other bioactive components found in milk products may also be involved and may act in conjunction with calcium. The aspects of milk products that may play a beneficial role in body weight regulation include a low glycemic index and the following components:

Calcium,
Vitamin D,
Milk proteins (casein and whey),
Branched-chain amino acids,
Bioactive peptides.

More studies (especially large, long-term randomized controlled trials) are needed to assess milk product intake with weight and body composition measures as the primary endpoints.

Studies on the role of specific milk products such as cheese and yogurt are also needed, as are more mechanistic studies to clarify the role of various bioactive components found in milk products.