Obesity and overweight are major global health concerns, primarily caused by an imbalance between energy intake and physical activity. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by various environmental factors and metabolic and appetite regulation disorders. Its prevalence is rising in both developed and developing countries and often begins in childhood.
In the U.S., around 6% of children under age 2 and 9% of those aged 2–19 are overweight. Obesity in adolescence often persists into adulthood and is associated with serious complications such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and psychosocial issues. Behavioral and environmental factors, like high-fat, low-fiber diets, have a stronger role in obesity than genetic factors.
Lifestyle changes, including healthier diets and more physical activity, are effective strategies to reduce obesity. Dairy products contain compounds such as calcium, whey protein, and magnesium, which may help reduce weight and blood pressure. Calcium, for instance, can bind to fatty acids in the digestive tract to prevent their absorption, influence fat metabolism, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Despite numerous studies on the link between dairy intake, obesity, and hypertension, little research has focused on educated populations. This study investigates the relationship between dairy consumption, obesity, and blood pressure in university students—a group with a key role in society’s future. In addition to BMI, other indicators like waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were also used. The aim is to provide appropriate recommendations if any significant relationship is found, as increasing awareness and improving dietary habits in this population could help ensure the prevalence of obesity in this age group decreases.
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February 28 and May 3, 2018, on 292 male students aged 18–30 living in the dormitories of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Students with specific health conditions, special diets, or those using blood pressure medications were excluded. Personal information, body measurements (height, weight, waist and hip circumference), and blood pressure were collected. A 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire focused on dairy intake was used to assess calcium and energy consumption. Blood pressure was measured by a trained expert under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using R software with Bayesian regression, logistic regression, and Spearman correlation methods. Participation was voluntary and informed consent was obtained from all subjects
Discussion
This study focused on young male university students to explore the link between dairy consumption, obesity, and blood pressure. Preventing conditions like obesity at a young age is important to avoid related health problems later in life.
Recent approaches in nutrition emphasize focusing on food groups (like dairy) rather than just nutrients. In Iran, dairy consumption is generally lower than recommended. Several studies have shown that higher dairy intake—especially low-fat dairy—is linked to lower risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure. However, some research has shown no significant relationship, especially when looking at specific dairy products like cheese or using supplements instead of real food.
Our study had several strengths, such as using multiple body measurements and detailed food records. It also found a low prevalence of hypertension (2.1%), possibly due to the younger age of participants.
Other large studies, including international ones, mostly support the idea that higher intake of dairy and calcium from food is associated with lower blood pressure. However, the effects are usually stronger for low-fat dairy and may depend on factors like age, body weight, and the duration of observation.
Finally, our findings also confirmed a link between obesity indicators (like BMI and waist circumference) and higher blood pressure, similar to previous studies.
Reference:
Rasouli, A., Khederlou, H., Milkarizi, N., Arsang-Jang, S., Karvane, H.B., Akbarzade, Z., Tavakkolian, P. and Sharifi, L., 2024. Relationships between Dairy Consumption Patterns and , Hypertension, Overweight, and Obesity Status. The Journal of Tehran University Heart Center, 19(1), p.38, doi: 10.18502/jthc.v19i1.15536.
