EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL PRACTICE Dietary Calcium Intake and Obesity

Obesity is increasing in the United States in epidemic proportions. Epidemiologic data suggest that peo-ple with high calcium intake have a lower prevalence of overweight, obesity, and insulin resistance syn-drome. Studies in transgenic mice have demonstrated that calcium influences adipocyte metabolism. High calcium intake depresses levels of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D. These de-creased hormone levels cause decreases in intracellular calcium, thereby inhibiting lipogenesis and stimulating lipolysis. High dietary calcium intakes also increases excretion of fecal fat and may increase core body temperature. Calcium from dairy products seems to have more of an impact than calcium from dietary supplements. Primary care providers should include recommendations about adequate calcium intake in standard dietary counseling about weight management. (J Am Board Fam Pract 2005; 18:205–210.) The prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically in the United States. Current data estimate that more than 60 % of the adult population between the ages of 20 and 74 are obese or overweight.1 The estimated annual direct and indirect costs of obesit