Dairy products 'may support weight loss'
People who include dairy products in their daily diet plans may find it easier to lose weight than those who avoid these foods, scientists say.Researchers in Iran combined the results of several previous studies in order to assess the effect of dairy consumption on weight and body composition.
They identified 14 trials that contained data on weight, 12 on body fat mass, six on lean mass and eight on waist circumference.
Overall, increased consumption of dairy products was associated with lower body weight, a greater reduction in fat mass, improvements in lean mass and a greater decrease in waist circumference.
Publishing their findings in the International Journal of Obesity, the study authors concluded: "Inclusion of dairy products in energy-restricted weight loss diets significantly affects weight, body fat mass, lean mass and waist circumference compared with that in the usual weight loss diets."
However, they pointed out that people who increase their consumption of dairy products without limiting their overall energy intake may not benefit from a significant improvement in weight or body composition.
