Fourteen trials (883 participants) were included in the analyses.
Weight loss was slightly greater for participants on high dairy intake compared with those with low dairy intake, although the difference was not statistically significant (MD -0.61kg, 95% CI -1.29 to 0.07; Ι²=41%). Increased dairy intake resulted in greater reduction in fat mass (MD -0.72kg, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.14; Ι²=56%), gain in lean body mass (MD 0.58kg, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.99; Ι²=49%), and further reduction in waist circumference compared to controls (-2.19cm, 95% CI -3.42 to -0.96;Ι²=53%).
Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant changes favouring higher dairy intake in trials with calory-restricted diets (in both intervention and control groups) on weight loss (MD -1.29kg, 95% CI -1.98 to -0.60; Ι²=0%), fat mass (MD -1.11kg, 95% CI -1.75 to -0.47; Ι²=12%), lean body mass (MD 0.72kg, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.32; Ι²=60%) and waist circumference (-2.43cm, 95% CI -3.42 to -1.44; Ι²=0%). No significant differences in the subgroup of trials without energy restrictions between intervention and control were found.
Results of sensitivity analyses and tests for publication bias were reported.