Dairy vs Plant-Based Yogurt for Body Composition Changes

(PROYO Trial)

Overseen By Julie Marois, M.Sc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Laval University

Must not be taking: Osteoporosis treatments, Antibiotics

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Renal insufficiency, Bariatric surgery, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

75 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to compare the effects of dairy yogurt and plant-based yogurt on body composition, such as muscle mass and bone health, in postmenopausal women. Researchers seek to determine if one type of yogurt better supports a healthy body by examining its impact on gut health (the balance of bacteria in the stomach) and metabolism (how the body uses food for energy). Participants will join one of three groups: consuming dairy yogurt, consuming plant-based yogurt, or maintaining their usual diet without yogurt. Women who have gone through menopause, have a BMI between 27 and 39.9, and lead a relatively inactive lifestyle might be suitable for this study.

As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the health benefits of yogurt in postmenopausal women.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are on medications affecting bone metabolism or have used antibiotics in the past 6 months.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that both dairy and plant-based yogurts are generally safe to eat. Studies have found that increased dairy consumption can aid in weight management, particularly when included in a calorie-restricted diet. Dairy yogurt is typically well-tolerated and rarely causes serious side effects.

For plant-based yogurt, evidence suggests that consuming plant-based foods can enhance nutrient quality in the diet and support healthy body composition. Some studies have examined unwanted substances in plant-based yogurts, but these are usually maintained at safe levels. Overall, plant-based yogurts are considered safe and are often fortified with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12.

Both types of yogurt are widely available and regularly consumed, with no major safety issues reported when included in a normal diet. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different types of yogurt, specifically dairy and plant-based, might impact body composition. Unlike standard dietary approaches that often focus on caloric intake or macronutrient ratios, this study emphasizes the type of yogurt consumed. The dairy yogurt arm may offer unique benefits due to its natural probiotics and protein content, while the plant-based yogurt might appeal to those seeking lactose-free or vegan options, potentially providing similar benefits without animal products. This trial could uncover how these different yogurt types affect muscle and fat balance in the body, offering new insights into dietary choices for improving body composition.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for body composition changes?

This trial will compare the effects of dairy yogurt and plant-based yogurt on body composition changes. Studies have shown that consuming dairy yogurt can aid in weight management by reducing body weight, body fat, and waist size. Some research also suggests that yogurt might help maintain muscle during weight loss. Conversely, plant-based diets, including plant-based yogurt, have been associated with weight loss and a healthier body shape. These diets typically contain less sugar and salt and more fiber, which aids in weight control. Participants in this trial will receive either dairy yogurt or plant-based yogurt to evaluate their respective benefits, with the choice potentially influenced by personal dietary preferences and goals. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for postmenopausal women who have not had a period for at least one year, have a BMI between 27 and 39.9 (overweight to obese), and are sedentary or only moderately active.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a postmenopausal woman with no periods for at least a year.

My BMI is between 27.0 and 39.9.

I have a sedentary or moderately active lifestyle.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 12-week diet-based weight loss intervention with random assignment to yogurt, plant-based yogurt, or no yogurt groups

12 weeks

Regular visits for monitoring and assessment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dairy Yogurt
• Plant-based Yogurt

Trial Overview

The study compares the effects of eating dairy yogurt, plant-based yogurt, or no yogurt during a 12-week diet program on body weight, muscle mass, bone health, gut bacteria, and metabolic markers. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the three groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Dairy yogurt Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Plant-based yogurt Active Control 1 Intervention

Group III: No yogurt Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laval University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4963870/

Dairy Intake Enhances Body Weight and Composition ... - PMC

Conclusions: Increased dairy intake as part of energy restricted diets resulted in greater loss in bodyweight and fat mass while attenuating lean mass loss in ...

2.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07578103

Effect of Dairy Protein Yogourt vs Plant-based ...

The consumption of an adequate quantity of protein in the diet is essential to maintain a healthy body composition and functioning.

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523029830

Effects of dairy intake on body weight and fat: a meta ...

Conclusions: This meta-analysis does not support the beneficial effect of increasing dairy consumption on body weight and fat loss in long-term studies or ...

4.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41430-025-01639-5

Association between dairy intake and multiple health ...

Two reports investigated body composition outcomes. One found that yogurt intake reduced the risk of weight gain [92] while the other found ...

5.

dairynutrition.ca

dairynutrition.ca/en/nutrition-and-health/yogurt-and-metabolic-health-gut-microbiota-type-2-diabetes-prevention

The Science Behind Yogurt: Gut Health & Metabolic Benefits

In fact, dairy calcium supplementation may enhance body fat loss by up to 50 g/day in those who had low calcium intake. Yogurt's flexible food ...

6.

facebook.com

facebook.com/nationaldairycouncil/posts/dyk-a-growing-body-of-emerging-evidence-suggests-dairy-foods-like-milk-cheese-an/1013971077414643/

National Dairy Council

A new peer-reviewed study found drinking whole milk was linked to improved body composition outcomes like body weight, BMI and waist size in men ...

7.

ctv.veeva.com

ctv.veeva.com/study/effect-of-dairy-protein-yogourt-vs-plant-based-yogourt-on-body-weight-body-composition-bone-health

Effect of Dairy Protein Yogourt vs Plant-based Yogourt on ...

The consumption of an adequate quantity of protein in the diet is essential to maintain a healthy body composition and functioning.

8.

dairynutrition.ca

dairynutrition.ca/en/nutrition-and-health/weight-and-dairy/dairy-and-healthy-weight-adults

Dairy and Healthy Weight in Adults

Higher dairy food consumption, in the context of energy restriction, is associated with greater weight loss and improved body composition.