Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV Noon News

Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between calcium and weight loss.  The exact mechanism is unknown.  The research has certainly received a lot of press, probably more than it is due.  Everyone is looking for the quick answer to weight loss and these studies were perhaps thought to have touched on something new.  However, the research is lacking in many areas, particularly in sample size.  In 3 small studies using fewer than 50 subjects, the researcher, Michael Zemmel, found some relationship between pour calcium intake and overweight and improved calcium intake combined with diet and exercise and weight loss.  The subjects initially had calcium intakes of 600mg per day and these were increased with the consumption of supplements and dairy intake or 3 servings of milk products/day.    Those who took 3 milk products per day lost more weight that the group who took supplements and the group who didn’t take either food or supplements.  The studies are in their preliminary stages and are certainly very intriguing but have yet to be reproduced with similar results.  In the meantime, Michael Zemmel has received significant financial benefits from his findings and the milk industry has been capitalizing on them as well.  Ads in magazine and TV clearly indicate that milk consumption is associated with weight loss.  The ads don’t say that the research was done with overweight individuals with suboptimal calcium intakes and a calorie reduced diet. 

The Bottom Line:  Don’t stop drinking your milk.  It is still a fantastic source of calcium and should be included as part of your diet.  Just don’t rely on calcium to help you lose weight.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!