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Causal relationship between dairy intake and obesity: a two-sample bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian
Tong Zhang1, Jinlian Huang1, Lihong Zhou1
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No. 13 Wuhe Dadao, Qingxiu District, Nanning, Guangxi 530200, China.
Journal of Dairy Science
|April 25, 2026
Summary
This study found that higher cheese consumption may causally reduce obesity risk. Genetic analysis suggests cheese intake, unlike other dairy products, is linked to lower obesity, highlighting its potential role in weight management.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a complex health issue driven by excess calorie intake.
- The role of specific dairy products in obesity risk is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have yielded mixed results on dairy consumption and weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between intake of various milk and dairy products and obesity.
- To determine if cheese intake has an independent, causal effect on reducing obesity risk.
- To differentiate the effects of various dairy products on obesity using genetic data.
Main Methods:
- A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study was employed.
- Summary-level data from large genome-wide association studies were utilized.
- Inverse variance weighted (IVW) and multivariable MR (MVMR) methods were applied, with sensitivity analyses for robustness.
Main Results:
- Higher cheese intake showed a significant inverse association with obesity risk (P = 0.01).
- No significant causal effects were observed for other dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt, cream).
- Reverse MR analyses confirmed no causal effect of obesity on dairy intake.
Conclusions:
- Cheese consumption may causally reduce the risk of obesity due to excess calories.
- Findings emphasize the need to differentiate dairy products in nutritional research.
- Cheese's nutrient density suggests potential for obesity prevention strategies.
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