Effect of Increased Intake of Low Fat Dairy Products on Weight Loss and Insulin Resistance

Obesity can cause many health problems as it is linked to several chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes. We know that individuals who are overweight or obese, and have impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance, have a good chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Research tells us that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be decreased by losing weight and making dietary changes. A promising area of study involves using low-fat milk products and calcium to prevent and/or control obesity and diabetes. This study is important because it will determine if including low-fat milk products in weight reducing diets can enhance weight loss, improve fat loss and decrease levels of blood glucose and insulin in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes not treated with medication. This information is directly applicable to treating diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Inclusion criteria

• Overweight and obese (BMI of 27 to 37 kg/m2)
• Impaired glucose tolerance (fasting blood glucose >5.6 mmol/L) or
• Type 2 diabetes treated with diet and exercise alone (no medications)
• One or more of the following criteria for metabolic syndrome:

• Hypertriglyceridemia (> 1.70 mmol/L)
• Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (< 1.04 mmol/L in men and < 1.30 mmol/L in women)
• High blood pressure (> 130/85 mm Hg)
• High waist circumference ( > 94 cm in men, > 80 cm in women)
• Weight stable and no changes in exercise in past 3 months

Exclusion criteria

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin
• HbA1c > 8%
• myocardial infarction or have undergone a cardiovascular intervention within the past three months
• Subjects taking fibrate or statins who have had a dose change within the 8 weeks prior to randomization
• Liver or pancreas disease
• Major gastrointestinal surgeries
• Pregnant or lactating
• Exhibit alcohol or drug dependence
• Taking drugs influencing appetite
• Have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance
• Following a diet or exercise regime designed for weight loss
• Have a body weight greater than 350 lb (weight limit for DEXA instrument)
• Chronic use of bulk laxatives, antacids or calcium supplements