"Milk weight loss claims misleading" LTTE by Radak in Capital Press Agriculture Weekly January 19, 2006
Milk weight loss claims misleading As a nutritionist, I am astounded that the dairy industry continues to try and persuade dieters that consuming milk, cheese and yogurt will aid in weight loss (“Shaping up? New book takes a look at dairy,” Jan. 6, 2006).
This misleading claim, promoted by dairy industry-funded researchers like Michael Zemel, contradicts important scientific evidence.
Out of 36 clinical studies on milk and calcium’s effect on weight loss, only three showed positive results — and all three were paid for by the dairy industry.
Other researchers have not been able to duplicate these results; in fact, most have come to the opposite conclusion.
Most recently, a Harvard Medical School study found that children who drink more than three servings of low-fat milk a day are 35 percent more likely to become overweight.
Considering cheese derives 70 percent of its calories from fat and skim milk is half sugar as a percentage of calories, it’s no wonder that even low-fat dairy products do not aid in weight loss.
It’s time to focus on healthier plant-based foods, which are naturally low-fat, cholesterol-free and can help shed unwanted pounds without compromising our health.
Tim Radak
Associate Director of Nutrition, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Washington, D.C.
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