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Is Consuming Dairy Bad For Weight Loss?

2 min read • August 31, 2020

Dairy is high in calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial to bone, muscle, and heart health.

Over the years of being in the nutrition and fitness world, I have heard repeatedly that dairy products are ‘bad’ and that consuming dairy products can result in a harder time losing weight. Contrary to popular belief, dairy has a list of benefits. Dairy is high in calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial to bone, muscle, and heart health. Dairy also contains potassium, phosphorous, and protein, which are important for muscle growth and muscle contraction. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that aid in proper digestion. In addition, dairy contains minerals that promote a healthy blood pressure and it contains vitamins that play a role in metabolism and vision.

When trying to lose weight, select the low fat or nonfat dairy product over the one with full fat.

Despite the benefits, dairy gets a bad reputation for 2 main reasons:

Dairy products can be very high in fat, especially full fat cheese, whole milk, ice cream, and full fat yogurt products, which in turn are high in calories. When trying to lose weight, select the low fat or nonfat dairy product over the one with full fat. Even though it is lower in fat and calories, it still contains the same amount of vitamins and minerals.
30 million to 50 million American adults have some form of lactose intolerance, leading to bloating, abdominal side effects, and altered digestion. If you are one that suffers from a lactose intolerance or sensitivity, consume dairy alternatives such as soy milk or nut milks. Nut milks are generally high in calcium and other nutrients as well!

If you are a dairy lover and are also looking to lose weight, do not avoid all dairy products out of fear of stalling all weight loss efforts! Choose your dairy products wisely and consume the products that digest well!

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