Heather Bedard, C.H.E.
The two studies that support the dairy/calcium link to weight loss were funded by the dairy industry ($1.7 million). Those not funded by the industry have consistently shown different results.
There is little evidence to support increased calcium consumption for weight loss in children.[1] Milk also increases weight in preschoolers as found in a study on milk type and weight status.[2] Losing weight is best accomplished from this standpoint, through replacing milk with water, a less calorie-dense beverage.
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[1] Weaver CM, Campbell WW, Teegarden D., et al. “Calcium, dairy products, and energy balance in overweight adolescents: a controlled trial.” Am J Clin Nutr published online ahead of print doi:10.3945/ajcn.110.010264
[2] Scharf R, Demmer R, DeBoer M. “Longitudinal evaluation of milk type consumed and weight status in preschoolers.” Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-302941