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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BMI, EXERCISE, AND MILK CONSUMPTION

Authors

M Potter

Abstract

M. Potter
College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN

Purpose: Research on the relationship between dairy consumption and BMI and percent body fat has been inconsistent. Additionally, there is minimal research on the relationship in American adult populations. Methods: 169 males and 344 females in a small college community were surveyed about their beverage consumption and exercise habits. Participants were 34 +15.6 years old with 45% of the participants between the ages of 18 and 22. On average, the participants consumed 10.6 ±12.6 oz of milk (low fat, reduced fat, and whole milk) per day, with 79.1% of participants drinking only low fat milk. Results: A Pearson correlation revealed an inverse relationship between the consumption of milk and BMI (r= -.104, p= 0.019), and a positive relationship between consumption of milk and minutes of exercise per week (r= .179, p<.001). Females also had an inverse relationship between milk consumption and BMI (r= -.150, p= .005). Males had a stronger positive correlation between milk and minutes of exercise per week (r=.219, p=.004) than females (r=.152, p=.005). A sub sample of the participants (40 males, 58 females, 28 +12.3 years, 14.1 +16.5 oz milk per day) volunteered for body composition testing with bioelectrical impedance. In this smaller sample, body fat was significantly and inversely related to milk consumption (r=.-.313, p=.002). Milk consumption was also significantly positively related to physical activity (r=.307, p= .002). Conclusion: Regular exercise and some properties of milk, such as calcium, may play a role in regulation of fat metabolism. Further, individuals who partake in one healthy behavior are more likely to partake in multiple healthy behaviors, such as exercise and healthy eating which can help maintain healthy body consumption.

NACSM Professional Sponsor: Mary Stenson

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