A specific role for yogurt with regard to obesity is increasingly being considered, but it is not fully understood. In this prospective study, Santiago et al showed that whole-fat yogurt consumption, but not low-fat yogurt, was associated with a higher probability of the reversion of central obesity in elderly at cardiovascular risk.
Lower waist circumference with whole-fat yogurt
The study prospectively followed 4,545 individuals at high cardiovascular risk, and total, whole-fat and low-fat yogurt consumption were assessed, by using food frequency questionnaires. The results showed that after multivariable adjustment the waist circumference was lower, among whole-fat yogurt consumers (-0.23 cm in quintile 5 versus no change in quintile 1). Consumption of whole-fat yogurt was also significantly associated with a higher probability for reversion of abdominal obesity (43 % in Q5 vs no change in Q1).
Higher probability of reversion of abdominal obesity
The analysis also showed a higher probability of reversion of abdominal obesity with whole-fat yogurt consumption. Neither total yogurt consumption, nor low-fat yogurt consumption, were significantly associated with the reversion of abdominal obesity status or a lower waist circumference.
The authors concluded that whole-fat yogurt has more beneficial effects in the management of abdominal obesity in an older population at high cardiovascular risk.
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