Weight management

Some people avoid dairy foods because of the belief these foods will lead to weight gain. In fact research shows milk, cheese and yoghurt are protective against weight gain and obesity and can even help with weight reduction as part of a weight-loss diet.

Eating dairy foods is not linked with weight gain

In developing the Australian Dietary Guidelines , the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) reviewed the body of evidence published between 2003 and 2009 for the relationship between weight and eating milk, cheese and yoghurt. The review found no link between eating these foods and weight gain or risk of obesity in adults.¹

Studies published since the NHMRC’s review continue to show a neutral effect of these dairy foods on weight. Two recent meta-analyses collated results from numerous randomised controlled trials from the 1960s to 2012. Both found including at least three serves of dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt in an everyday diet was not linked to weight gain compared to individuals eating a habitual diet with lower amounts of dairy foods (ranging from less than two serves to less than one serve per day).^{2, 3}

Eating dairy foods can help with weight loss

In kilojoule-controlled weight loss studies, two meta-analyses showed including at least three daily serves of milk, cheese and yoghurt resulted in:

• Greater weight loss;
• Increased muscle mass;
• Reduced fat mass; and
• Reduced waist circumference.

These results were identified when compared to diets which excluded adequate daily serves of these dairy foods.

People can feel confident that including milk, cheese and yoghurt in a healthy diet and exercise program (as part of a weight-loss effort) will not lead to weight gain and can in fact lead to better results.

Explaining the results

There are four reasons that might explain the beneficial effects of dairy foods within weight-loss diets (it is likely to be a combination of these effects):

• Dairy calcium may reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body.⁴
• Insufficient calcium intake promotes regulatory changes that can reduce fat mobilisation and oxidation (i.e. people tend to burn less fat when they have a low calcium intake).⁵
• Some studies suggest dairy foods may help to reduce feelings of hunger and the desire to eat.⁶
• Dairy foods are a source of protein which has a well-known positive role in weight loss.

If people are already overweight, should they really increase their dairy intake?

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines encourages people to choose nutritious foods from the five food groups (including milk, cheese and yoghurt) and to limit discretionary foods (or ‘junk’ foods), which are often high in kilojoules and low in nutrients.

Discretionary foods contribute excessively to the energy intake of Australians. In the 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey it was estimated that discretionary foods accounted for 35% of total energy intake.⁷ Eating less of these foods allows more nutritious foods, commonly lacking in the diet, to be accommodated within appropriate energy intakes.

By including three to four daily serves of milk, cheese and yoghurt within a reduced-energy diet, weight and body fat loss will be enhanced.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian will be able to help with a personalised weight management plan.

Visit the Australian Dietary Guidelines to help patients take immediate steps towards healthier eating.

Dairy and weight management resources

Dairy and weight fact sheet
Download the Healthy weight fact sheet

Dairy and weight infographic
Download the Health benefits of dairy infographic

Dairy and weight recipe books
Download the Healthy recipes cookbook

Audio clip
In the audio clip below, Accredited Practising Dietitian Sharon Curtain explores how dairy foods can contribute to a healthy weight and even weight loss.