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Skimmed dairy products won't keep you from becoming obese
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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It is no secret that one of the most common diseases of the US population is obesity. Experts and ordinary people are trying to combat this dangerous disease by limiting foods that are too high in calories and harmful to health. For example, in recent years, many US states have adopted the practice of feeding small children low-fat dairy products so that in the future children can avoid obesity and high cholesterol. Recent studies by American scientists have shown that milk and other dairy products with a low fat content cannot prevent obesity and do not contribute to weight loss.
For six months, pediatricians from the University of Virginia (USA) conducted a study on low-fat dairy products and their impact on the health and weight of young children. The study consisted of specialists surveying 11,000 families with young children for six months. The key questions in the questionnaires were: what kind of milk did parents prefer to give their children at the age of 2 and 4 years, normal fat, low-fat, soy? In addition to the survey, the specialists conducted annual weighings of the children.
After analyzing the data obtained from the children's parents and annual weight indicators, pediatricians were able to draw conclusions about the effect of milk on children's weight. It turned out that children who regularly drank skim milk (0.5-1.5% fat) were more likely to be obese. Among two-year-olds who were fed low-fat milk, about 14% became obese, among four-year-olds - more than 16% of children. For comparison, among two-year-olds who were fed regular, fatty milk (cow or goat), the predisposition to obesity was noticed only in 9% of children, and among four-year-olds - only in 12%. Scientists concluded that skim milk can not only fail to protect against obesity and excess weight, but also provoke it.
Children who ate low-fat dairy products were 57% more likely to be obese than those who ate unprocessed dairy products. The study's leaders explain the findings by saying that full-fat milk can keep a child full for a while, preventing them from feeling hungry. Skim milk lacks the nutrients and can only quench thirst, causing the child to eat more.
A glass of full-fat milk can replace a small child's afternoon snack, and he will not feel hungry for 1-2 hours. A child who drinks a low-fat product will still remain hungry and will need other food. It turns out that, despite the fat content of the product, its consumption has a positive effect on health and prevents excess weight.
Experts advise giving children regular, fatty dairy products, as children under five need a lot of energy and natural products containing vitamins and nutrients. In addition, pediatricians advise excluding fast food, sweet carbonated water, ice cream and desserts with preservatives from children's diets. In their opinion, these restrictions can protect children from obesity. Also, doctors do not advise drinking dry milk, both skim and full-fat. Dry milk has a damaged nutrient integrity and is unable to provide the child with the necessary minerals and vitamins.
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