Milk consumption among children has been declining during the past 40 years. And now, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 41% of U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or have obesity.
U.S. NHANES 2017-2018 data reveals that males ages 2 to 19 consume about two cup equivalents of dairy per day, significantly less than the recommend 2.5 to 3 cup equivalents (depending on age). Female consumption is just under two cup equivalents for girls 2 to 11, and drops down to 1.3 cup equivalents for teen girls. Low dairy consumption can impact healthy weight, as well as bone health and nutrient adequacy.