Low-fat dairy doesn't help children lose weight

Low-fat dairy products don't seem to help kids get rid of extra pounds, as they compensate by consuming calories from various other sources. But they do reduce the amounts of saturated fat in their diet. According to the findings of a new study conducted by Australian researchers, children who consume low-fat dairy instead of regular full-fat dairy don't lose any weight. The study, published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition", found that neither the body mass index, nor the actual weight of kids who have been eating low-fat products for 6 months have changed perceptively.

Their waist circumference remained the same, despite consuming less fat. The study, led by Gilly Hendrie and Rebecca Golley from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, involved 145 children, aged between 4 and 13. They were split into two groups: the first were asked to consume low-fat dairy instead of regular dairy for 6 months, the second were allowed to eat the same as before. The amount of dairy consumed by both groups was about the same. Before the start of the study, the kids and their parents were surveyed on their consumption of dairy products. The interviews were repeated after 3 and 6 months. In addition, the kids underwent blood tests, and their waist circumference and body mass index were measured. The results showed that the low-fat group had indeed consumed less saturated fat, but their waist and body mass index weren't much different following the modified diet.

The first group only got 13.3% of their calorie intake from saturated fat, while the second got 16.16%. But, according to the researchers, the kids in the low-fat group, compensated for this difference from other sources of calories. Also, cholesterol levels dropped a little for the children in the group that replaced regular dairy, but the other measured parameters were about the same as before the low-fat diet. Although low-fat products don't seem to have a significant effect on weight loss, it doesn't mean their consumption can't have its advantages. The kids who took part in the study and ate low-fat alternatives of regular dairy products did consume less saturated fat, which could prove beneficial for their health. However, in order to lose weight, the entire diet should be kept under close watch. Replacing regular full-fat diary products with low-fat alternatives isn't enough to shed the extra pounds.

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