A prospective study of the association between flavored milk and changes in body weight and BMI in children
Abstract
In a concentrated effort attempting to meet the dietary standards established in the HealthierUS School Challenge, numerous schools have eliminated flavored milk from cafeterias. We tested the hypothesis that a greater intake of flavored milk would not be associated with higher body weight, BMI, or weight gain during a dairy intervention in 4th through 8th grade boys and girls. Using self reported dairy consumption, this study examined the effect of adding milk (both flavored and white) to the diet for six months on changes in body weight and BMI in both healthy weight and overweight boys and girls. Pearson correlations showed both total (r = −0.17, p = 0.06) and flavored (r = −0.17, p = 0.05) milk consumption had a trend for a negative correlation with body weight at baseline. ANOVA showed no significant differences in weight gain during the follow-up period between subjects who consumed < 1 cup, 1–5 cups, or ≥5 cups of flavored milk per week (0.47, 0.43, and 0.52 kg/month, respectively, p = 0.70). Similar results were observed when assessing BMI. This study suggests that flavored milk should not be removed from school cafeterias because of the perception that it contributes to childhood obesity. The study was funded by Dairy Management Inc.
Degree
M.P.H.
Advisors
Hyner, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Nutrition|Public health
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