Question 2
Increasing dairy consumption was associated with the largest weight change in Phase II (maintenance phase). The Evidence Analysis Library states (even though research is limited) that daily intakes of calcium below the recommended level are associated with increased body weight, body fat, BMI, waist circumference and relative risk of obesity in adults. Does this information influence your recommendations to clients for weight loss/weight maintenance?
posted by Anonymous @ 1:44 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
I'm not sure that I would encourage dairy specifically for the weight maintenance phase. I would definitely share the evidence with them and encourage dairy to help meet their calcium needs. I don't think increased dairy consumption is a magic weight loss/maintenance secret (nothing is) but combined with other factors it may be beneficial. I hope to see more research on this topic in the future!
I do not think that this changes of views on dairy recommendations for clients in a maintenance phase. I would discuss low fat dairy options and discuss ways to include dairy in meals to meet the patients needs. I think that maintaining a healthy weight can be a process for someone who recently lost weight and it is important to find what works specifically for that person.
This information leads me to think that an increase of low-fat dairy options while avoiding higher fat choices is a good choice for weight loss. Keeping in mind that excessive calories, no matter from what food group, will cause weight gain, I would combine this information, along with other techniques to promote weight loss
and apply them to each individual on their own basis.
For me it would depend on the client. First I would look to see if they have adequate amounts of calcium in their diet, if not I would recommend an increase. Secondly, I would look at the sources of dairy they are consuming and determine if they are high fat options or lower fat options. I would then encourage them to start choosing the lower fat options and help them towards this goal. I do not think that this study has changed the recommendations I would give regarding dairy consumption with weight loss, more research needs to be done.
Jordan, I agree with you that weight loss is a personal journey and needs to be personalized for each person.
I realize that dairy is a good source of calcium but I think we make the mistake of thinking its the only source. Leafy green vegetables are also a good source of calcium without the fat that dairy provides. I do think dairy is important and promoting low fat dairy to help meet calcium needs, but it is equally important to educate on these other calcium sources.
Though I do believe that it can be good to discuss the possible benefits of consuming low-fat and fat-free dairy products with clients related to weight loss, because the supporting data is limited, I would probably not stress this topic too much. As dietitians and professionals, we need to be careful with what information we present to the clients and how we present it, especially when it is information that does not have a lot of evidence to back it up.
Lets also not forget about my favorite vitamin, vitamin D. This hormone plays a role in more enzymes and functions in our body then we currently know. Due to the lack of quality sun, providing vitamin D and the limited food sources out there containing it, the increased dairy, most milk, could have increased the levels of not just calcium but also vitamin D. Anytime someone is deficient in a vitamin or mineral your body is no longer functioning to its full potential.
Many people are bringing up very good points that we need to look at their diet as a whole. Maybe they are choosing the low-fat dairy, which would reduce the calories they are consuming. Also maybe they are taking a calcium supplement already. Advice to a client needs to be specific for them. Steph careful many leafy greens will have phytates and oxalates which can bind and hinder the calcium absorption in those food, spinach for example.
Kevin-
Good point about considering vitamin supplementation. We must consider all sources of calcium intake. I wonder if these studies have looked at the intake of calcium supplements and these variables or just dairy products. I question this because I wonder if it is the calcium or a combination of the substances that are in dairy products that help decrease these variables. Just a thought!
Michela-
I agree with your though process regarding looking at each individuals calcium intake and what the calcium sources are. It's all about really analyzing a client's diet and determining the best options for them.
I think this is a difficult question for me to answer. Yes I think the right kinds of dairy (low fat milk, yogurt, cheeses, etc) can help to reduce the amount of caloric intake for individuals, but the overall statement that dairy intake decreases weight is something I have a hard time backing. I think that there is so much explanation when really a high intake of low calorie foods in general reduces weight, not necesarily limited to dairy.
Jamie, I agree. It definitely is not a magic answer and it is unfair to make it appear that way to clients and the public as a health professional. I think providing the full picture for the individual to make thier own choice.
I agree with Jamie that I would not encourage dairy based on one study. I would be interested to see what types of dairy people were consuming.
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