The UT researchers have found that low-fat dairy products help control weight gain. And replacing low-fat dairy products for other calories in our diet may, in fact, help us lose weight. In fact, fat is a collection of living cells, and we can regulate what those living cells do. When we consume a low-fat dairy product, it's the calcium that helps us control weight. Calcium causes cells to break down fat and prevents them from making new fat.
Calcium works best, however, when it's in dairy products, rather than as a supplement.
What we find is that women who consume more calcium and more dairy are nearly 80 percent less likely to be obese than women who consume very little calcium and very little dairy. It's a huge, huge difference. Zemel says that when people try to lose weight, they tend to cut out dairy products. And that's a mistake, especially for women and teenage girls. We adults need to be good role models for our children by exercising more and eating sensibly.