All the latest hype about dairy and dieting has focused on low fat or non-fat dairy products, but a new study from Sweden found that whole milk dairy products, that are high in fat, offered better resistance to long term weight gain.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition this month and used information from more than 19,000 women to come to the conclusion that whole milk dairy products limit weight gain over a long period of time in women who have a normal body mass index.
One key difference between this study and previous others is the absence of dieting. Other studies that found a benefit in low fat or non-fat dairy products were often looking at weight gain and loss in women who were overweight or obese and who were dieting or trying to lose weight.
The women in this study were not dieting. They were followed for an average of 9 years. Over that time period weight, body mass index, and dietary habits were measured.
For women who consumed at least one serving of whole milk dairy products each day, weight gain over a long period of time was significantly lower than women who ate low fat or non-fat dairy.
The researchers believe that calcium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) could play a role, although levels of calcium do not differ between whole milk and non-fat. The level of CLA is much higher in whole milk, which is also rich in saturated fats.
Saturated fats can be dangerous for one's health, they are associated with an increased risk for heart disease. But one serving a day of whole milk dairy products does not represent a significant risk increase if the remainder of the diet is low in saturated fats.
So the jury may still be out on which dairy products are best for helping maintain a healthy weight. While women who are dieting, are overweight, or those with significant risk factors may be better served by low fat dairy at this time.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on January 22, 2007 11:45 AM
