Research finds full fat milk keeps kids at healthy weight

Many parents wonder if they should switch their children to low-fat milk at age two, but new research has some eye-opening news for them.

FULL-fat milk helps keep children at a healthy weight, with research showing those who drink whole milk have a 40 per cent less chance of being obese.

Parents are often confused as to whether they should switch to low-fat milk once a child hits the age of two, but the study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition involving more than 20,000 children from age one to 18 found making the switch has no impact on a child’s leanness.

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Brisbane dietitian Kate Di Prima says a family that drinks whole milk possibly has a well-rounded wholefoods diet that helps keep children at a healthy weight.

“Full-fat milk is recommended in Australia for children up to the age of two,” she said.

“The problem is that after that age children are often introduced to a wide range of high-sugar and high-fat discretionary foods.

“I also see children over two still on a bottle and drinking huge amounts of milk.

“The dietary recommendations for dairy might surprise many parents. Children aged two to three require only 1½ serves of dairy each day, and that includes milk, cheese and yoghurt.”

There are more than 220,000 overweight or obese children in Queensland, and these children are likely to be overweight or obese adults.

“It can be confusing for parents as to whether they should give their children low-fat milk or low-fat snacks," Ms Di Prima said.

“It is always worth getting professional advice for individual children.

“But in my experience in clinic, if parents use common sense and try to stick to the dietary guidelines and serve fresh whole foods with very few discretionary treats, then the child will thrive.

“Eating and drinking too much is often a problem. Check the guidelines.”

Hudson, 5, and Harlow Mulqueen, 2, love milk, but mother Aimee monitors just how much so they stick within recommended limits, and both are energetic and always on the move.

“Cereal with milk is a perfect breakfast for both of the children,” the Bulimba mum said.

Hudson, 5, and Harlow Mulqueen, 2, drink milk at home in Bulimba. Picture: Josh Woning/AAP