Full-fat Dairy May Be Healthier Than Low-fat Options, Study Finds

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Researchers from the University of Toronto, including Professor Harvey Anderson and Professor Kozeta Milliku, conducted the study.

Good News Network - The study involved 74 overweight or obese adults.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - The study found that eating three servings of full-fat dairy per day did not negatively affect body weight, body composition, energy metabolism, or blood lipid levels.

Good News Network - Participants who consumed more dairy showed improvements in blood pressure and had higher intake of calcium, protein, and vitamin D.

Al Jazeera - The study was published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Good News Network - After 12 weeks, there were no meaningful differences in weight gain, body composition, or cholesterol levels between participants on a low-dairy diet and those consuming three servings of full-fat dairy.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - The study was conducted at the University of Toronto.

Good News Network - Participants were counseled to follow Canada’s food guide.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - The study was conducted between September 2020 and February 2023.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - The research challenges decades of common knowledge linking full-fat dairy to weight gain and cardiovascular conditions.

Good News Network - Traditional dietary guidelines have recommended fat-free or low-fat dairy foods due to concerns about saturated fats contributing to cardiovascular disease.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - Participants were assigned to one of three dietary groups: a low-dairy, calorie-restricted diet; an energy-neutral diet with three servings of dairy; or an unrestricted diet with three servings of dairy.

Good News Network - The study utilized a randomized assignment of participants to different dietary groups and provided full-fat dairy products during the study.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 16:17 UTC)

Researchers from the University of Toronto, including Professors Harvey Anderson and Kozeta Milliku, conducted a study involving 74 overweight or obese adults that found eating three servings of full-fat dairy each day had no negative impact on body weight or composition, energy metabolism, or blood lipid levels. After 12 weeks, participants consuming more dairy showed improvements in blood pressure and higher intake of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, with no significant differences in weight gain or cholesterol levels compared to those on a low-dairy diet. This research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, challenges long-standing dietary guidelines that have traditionally recommended fat-free or low-fat dairy due to concerns about saturated fats and their link to cardiovascular disease.