The role of dairy products on body weight and metabolic health in Families

Obesity is a major global epidemic and is prevalent in Canada. A growing body of prospective cohort studies has shown that dairy products may reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes as outlined by Systematic Reviews (Kratz M et al., 2013; Drouin-Chartier JP et al., 2016). As well, research from several short term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as outlined in a recent Meta-Analysis, has shown that dairy products are beneficial in helping with weight loss efforts (Geng T et al., 2018). However, this research is limited and with regards to weight gain and obesity risk, it is mainly in the form of prospective cohort studies. There is also very few evidence that have looked at the effect of low vs. full-fat dairy on health outcomes. Scientific research in the form of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), that can prove cause and effect relationships (i.e. causality), is needed to substantiate this potential health claim as outlined in Health Canada’s Guidance Document for Substantiation of Food Health Claims (Health Canada 2009).

Faculty Supervisor:

Vicky Drapeau

Student:

Partner:

Dairy Farmers of Canada

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Information and cultural industries

University:

Université Laval

Program: