Press Releases

Milk Shakes Up Weight Loss

PHILADELPHIA (June 1, 2004) - Skimming milk off the menu used to be a mistake millions of Americans made when looking to lose unwanted pounds. The thinking went this way: "I need to cut calories. I won't miss the milk."

For years dietitians lamented the loss of dairy in the female "diet" craze because of its bone-building benefits. Now they realize the health risk is even greater. It appears that calcium and other components in milk, yogurt and cheese actually help turn on the body's fat burning mechanism.

This mechanism is something Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., head of the department of nutrition at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, has been examining for years. While researching the role dairy foods play in reducing blood pressure in African-American men over a decade ago, Zemel noticed his subjects (in addition to reducing their blood pressure) lost an average of 11 pounds.

At the time the reason why couldn't be explained. But years later and with many more calcium-focused scientists noticing and reporting similar research, Zemel ramped up efforts toward uncovering the connection. He and his colleagues reported on the suspected mechanism in 2000. Since that time, numerous studies have affirmed their suspected belief: To reduce calories and lose weight most effectively, people should include at least three servings of lowfat milk, yogurt or cheese in their diet daily.

In fact, Zemel has conducted so much research in this field that he recently published a book devoted solely to its discovery. Designed as a simple weight-loss plan, "The Calcium Key" devotes a number of chapters to explaining - in easy to understand terms - the research.

"The Calcium Key" also offers dozens of recipes for main dishes, side dishes, snacks and desserts. Available in bookstores and on-line at amazon.com, the book shares with readers one simple premise - eat more calcium-rich foods, lose more weight.

Fueled by the knowledge of this research, many moms are looking to do just that. June is National Dairy Month, so Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association is serving up its newest round of calcium-rich recipes to help moms design a dairy rich diet.

"Moms tell us they need high-flavor, low-fuss recipes to incorporate milk, yogurt and cheese in their diets," says Deanna Rose, a registered dietitian for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. "They have families to feed, but want to get the most calcium-fuel for their weight loss efforts and their children's bones. Our new "3-A-Day of Dairy: Try the Lowfat Way" recipes do both, plus they taste great."

Rose also reminds people looking to lose weight that the benefit of milk, yogurt and cheese on weight loss relies on reducing calories. "Clearly, the research shows that if you cut calories while continuing to eat milk group foods, your weight loss will be much more successful," she says. "But calories do count."

For more information and lowfat dairy recipes, visit the Dairy Lover's Kitchen page on www.dairyspot.com.