Dairy Foods and Weight Loss

Question
Hello Ms. Kramer,

I am doing some basic research on the effect that  eating dairy foods has on weight loss.  (I lost 45 lbs. this year, and I did include lowfat yogurt as  part of my diet, and I'm just interested in this topic personally.)

I have reviewed the studies that the dairy industry constantly uses as the basis of its "3-a-day" campaign.  These studies were performed by Michael Zemel at the University of Tennessee, but Zemel used very small study groups.  I have also reviewed information stating that Zemel's research is inconclusive (especially this article from the Nutrition Action Healthletter: http://www.cspinet.org/nah/09_05/milking.pdf).
(By the way, do you know whether or not this publication is turstworthy?)

I would like to ask you about your personal experience with and knowledge of what effect eating dairy foods has on weight loss.  Some more specific questions I have are as follows:

- Why is low-fat dairy a recommended part of almost every diet for weight loss? - Does eating dairy products somehow speed up your metabolism to aid in weight loss?
- Is yogurt the best dairy food to eat, because it is somehow good for your digestive tract?
- Is organic yogurt better than non-organic somehow?  
- How does this affect people with lactose intolerance?  If they drink Lactaid or eat similar products, will it be just as beneficial?
- Would calcium supplements be just as effective for weight loss?

I realize that's a lot of questions! I appreciate any insights you may have.

Many thanks,
Susan Eley

Answer
Dear Susan, I really don't have any personal experience regarding dairy foods and weight loss. Studies are inconclusive and the dairy ad people have pulled their weight loss ads due to the debate. Everybody needs calcium in their diet and drinking three cups of milk a day is just an easy way of getting that calcium. Yogurt is a cultured milk product containing lactobacillus. The body uses the lactobacillus to increase the healthy flora in the intestines of the body, but I don't think it helps in weight reduction.  
 Dairy foods are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, especially the added vitamins A and D.
So again, I personally don't view dairy foods as weight loss foods, but I do view them as a healthy addition to any diet, weight loss or no weight loss. Hope I helped, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com

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