Low fat dairy does nothing for weight loss

According to a study published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, kids who swap out regular dairy products for low-fat forms consume less saturated fat but don't lose weight. Researchers found neither weight nor body mass index (BMI) had changed noticeably six months after children switched to low- or reduced-fat dairy products. Instead of trimming their waistlines, kids who slashed fat intake appeared to compensate by eating more calories from other sources.

The researchers asked one group to replace their dairy products with low-fat varieties for six months, while the other got no dietary advice. Both groups consumed similar amounts of dairy products, and the total calorie intake remained more or less stable over the study, which was supported in part by Dairy Australia. The low-fat group did consume less overall fat. At the end of the study, they got 13.3% of their total calories from saturated fat, compared to 16.6% in the comparison group. Their waistlines, BMI and weight were no different.

Bonnie - this study was even sponsored by Australia's dairy foundation, who had ever incentive for the study to show weight-loss.