In one study, researchers at Tufts University analyzed the diets of 120,000 people and found that those who consumed more low-fat and non-fat dairy like milk and cheese also ate significantly more carbs, while those who consumed mostly whole-fat dairy ate fewer carbs. Researchers didn’t specifically look at yogurt in terms of its fat content, but they’re pretty positive results would be the same. MORE: The Skinny On 2 New FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drugs “This suggests that if you want to lose weight, you shouldn’t be fixated on choosing low fat,” says Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, study author. “You’ll only compensate for those missing fat calories by eating more carbs.” And depending on where those carbs are coming from—hello, super-sized bagel and sugary box of cereal!—that could potentially lead to weight gain. In the second study, researchers at Lund University in Sweden analyzed the eating habits of approximately 27,000 people and found that consuming whole-fat dairy like yogurt and cheese was associated with a 23% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes while eating low-fat and non-fat dairy had no benefit. Researchers believe that specific fatty acids may prevent type 2 diabetes, potentially by working in conjunction with other nutrients in dairy, says Ulrika Ericson, PhD, study author. MORE: 5 Surprising Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight Bottom line: “In terms of dairy consumption, there is little evidence that low-fat is better, a lot of evidence that full-fat is at least the same [as low-fat], and emerging evidence that whole-fat could even be better,” says Mozaffarian. Both study authors say whole-fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet, and that it’s okay to eat several servings per day, choosing unsweetened yogurt, milk, and cheese. We’ll happily use that as our justification for ordering a (gasp!) regular latte.
