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D. B. DIRIENZO, National Dairy Council, Dairy Management Inc., 10255 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 900, Rosemont, IL 60018-5616 Obesity has been classified as an epidemic in the U.S. While food companies are trying to understand how to manage this issue, there is a growing body of evidence which indicates that dairy products may be part of the solution, not part of the problem for weight and body fat management. Several studies have indicated an inverse relationship between calcium/dairy product intake and weight/body fat in men, women and children. Animal studies have provided a plausible mechanism on how dairy foods may exert a beneficial effect. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the inclusion of at least three servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese per day can augment weight and body fat loss which occurs from reduced energy intake. Moreover, the impact of dairy foods is greater than calcium supplements or low calcium diets suggesting dairy foods contain additional components, beyond calcium, which impact weight. This presentation, will explore where the emphasis of future studies is needed to continue to build and strengthen the positive role for dairy products on body composition. Studies will need to examine dairy’s ability to “keep it off” and continue to determine why the “package of nutrients” in dairy foods is superior to calcium. Studies need to be expanded beyond fat cells to other tissues in the body such as muscle. The beneficial role of dairy foods for the prevention of obesity and reducing the risk obesity related diseases, such as of type II diabetes in children, also must be more thoroughly examined. Finally, a linking of studies which examined dairy benefits on weight, blood pressure, diabetes and central obesity, may provide compelling evidence that the consumption of at least three servings of dairy products per day, within appropriate calories, can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome
Session 70, A role of dairy foods in weight management
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