ADULTS

New Study Strengthens Milk's Fat Burning Link
(12/2005)

Most people know that to lose weight, they'll need to eat less and move more. However, new research suggests you may have better luck if you include milk in your new routine.

Published in the December issue of Obesity Research by scientists at the University of Colorado, the new study provides more insight into why consuming dairy foods is linked with weight and fat loss. This well-controlled study found that when adults on a reduced-calorie diet exercised and consumed 3 to 4 servings of dairy foods daily, their metabolism changed so their bodies burned more fat compared to adults only consuming one serving of dairy under the same conditions.

Researchers measured fat oxidation (or the amount of fat burned) using a metabolic chamber, an enclosed living area that allows for precise scientific measurements. They found that the adults with higher intakes of dietary calcium burned significantly more fat than those who consumed a low-dairy diet.

The scientists suggest the reason for the increased fat burning may be related to certain hormones in the body that regulate fat breakdown and oxidation. The calcium in dairy foods appears to suppress these hormones.

This research shows how reducing calories, exercising and consuming adequate amounts of dairy foods can help improve the body's ability to burn fat.

Melanson EL, Donahoo WT, Dong F, Ida T, Zemel MB. Effects of low- and high-calcium dairy-based diets on macronutrient oxidation in humans. Obesity Research. 2005; 13: 1-11.