Research shows that child obesity has escalated into a global epidemic. The World Health Organization estimates that 39 million children under the age of five and 340 million schoolchildren and adolescents (aged 5-19) are living with overweight or obesity, with this number continuing to rise.
Research published in the journal ‘Pediatric Obesity’ has found that high milk intake is linked to a lower likelihood of abdominal obesity in children and adolescents, regardless of their physical activity level. While physical activity is independently important for preventing obesity, researchers say that drinking enough milk may offer a protective effect against abdominal obesity on its own.
A study that appears in the journal ‘Nutrition & Metabolism’ explains how milk could help. It promotes satiety, increasing muscle mass, and supporting a healthy metabolism. Its high protein content, particularly whey protein, can increase muscle protein synthesis and help build lean body mass. Additionally, milk contains calcium, which may play a role in fat regulation. However, a very small percentage of children can be allergic to cow’s milk. Consult a paediatrician if you suspect that milk doesn’t suit your child.