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Media release
19 November 2009
Milk triumphs in teen beverage BMI battle
Teenagers wanting to maintain a healthy body weight should forget about diet soft
drinks, and go for milk instead according to new research
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Researchers from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health used data
from Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a 5 year study of eating patterns among
2294 adolescents, to examine the relationship between beverage intake and change
in Body Mass Index (BMI).
They found that teenagers who drank milk had a significantly lower increase in BMI
than those who rarely or never consumed milk.
This is consistent with a growing body of scientific research which shows a connection
between dairy consumption and weight management in adults. Some studies show
that people who consume at least the government's recommended 2-3 servings of low
or reduced-fat dairy each day are more successful with weight management and
weight loss than those who don’t.
Interestingly, diet soft drink consumption was associated with BMI gain. The authors
suggested that this may be due to the relationship between diet soft drink
consumption and dieting behaviours. They noted that dieting has been shown to be
associated with weight gain in previous studies with adolescents.
The study’s authors concluded that interventions with adolescents should promote the
consumption of low-fat milk and decrease the availability of sugar sweetened
beverages in school and home settings.
Dairy Australia’s dietitian, Glenys Kerrins said “Unfortunately many Australian
teenagers and young women cut back on dairy when they are watching their weight –
this research shows that this is the last thing they should do”.
Her advice for managing weight is to “cut out junk foods, exercise more, and focus on
eating nutrient rich foods, including three serves of dairy, every day.”
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For more information or interviews: Glenys Kerrins (03) 9694 3842 or 0409 552 554 or email
gkerrins@dairyaustralia.com.au
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Vanselow, M. et, al. 2009 ‘Adolescent beverage habits and changes in weight over time: findings from
Project EAT’ Am J Clin Nutr (October 28, 2009) doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27573
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