Effects of Whole vs. Nonfat Milk Consumption on Body Composition in Children: a 1-Year RCT
Boston Children's Hospital
Summary
This study will evaluate the effects of whole vs. nonfat milk consumption on body composition, cardiometabolic disease risk factors, and dietary quality.
Description
Background The optimal type of milk is a topic of much debate. Several recent observational studies indicate that consuming whole (full-fat), compared to reduced-fat milk, is associated with less weight gain and decreased cardiometabolic disease risk. The observed beneficial effect of consuming whole milk on body weight may be due to its greater satiety value, leading to consumption of fewer calories from other lower quality (e.g., sugary) foods. Mechanistic studies indicate that substitution of carbohydrate with certain saturated fatty acids in milk increases low-density lipoprotein cholester…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 9–12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 9 to 12 years * BMI ≥75th percentile for sex and age * Residence in the Greater Boston catchment area Exclusion Criteria: * Aversion to nonfat or whole milk * Physician diagnosis of major medical illness, eating disorder, or milk allergy (lactose intolerance not exclusionary as lactase treated milk can be provided) * Plans to move away from the Greater Boston catchment area during the study period * Plans to be away from home for ≥5 weeks during the study period (e.g., extended summer vacation) * Change in body weight exceeding 10% during prior year * Recent adher…
Interventions
- BehavioralWhole milk
Weekly home delivery of whole milk, daily text messages, monthly virtual visits
- BehavioralNonfat milk
Weekly home delivery of nonfat milk, daily text messages, monthly virtual visits
Location
- New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention CenterBoston, Massachusetts