This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The number of children at risk for overweight and obese has increased in the past decades. As observed in adults, overweight and obesity in children are associated with increased risk of diseases and decreased quality of life. A high proportion of overweight children is insulin resistant and has elevated blood pressure and abnormal lipid concentrations. There is evidence that these conditions early in life can extend into adulthood and predispose to cardiovascular disease later in life. It is thus highly important to prevent overweight and inordinate weight gain in children to restrict the development of metabolic abnormalities. High dairy and calcium consumption have recently been linked to lower body weight in adults. In addition, some research has shown that a high calcium intake can reduce blood pressure and also perhaps blood glucose levels. Therefore, dairy consumption may be preventive against metabolic disorders directly, and indirectly via effects on body weight.In the proposed research plan, we intend to recruit overweight children who are also insulin resistant. Children included in this study will typically consume one serving of milk per day. However, during the 16 week study period, half of the children will be asked to replace all of their daily caloric beverages with 4 servings of milk, one flavored low-fat and 3 plain skim. The other half of the children will be asked to replace all of their daily caloric beverages with one serving of plain skim milk and 3 servings of fruit drink. The children's body weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences will be measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. Their body composition will also be measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) will be done at the time points. Also, at the beginning and at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 blood samples will be taken to measure glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, and blood pressure will be measured and a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) test will be done to assess percent body fat and fat-free mass.
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