Children who drink whole milk are less likely to be obese, according to a study which questions international dietary guidelines.

Researchers analysed data from 28 existing studies across seven countries involving a total of 20,897 healthy children aged between one and 18 years old. They concluded those who drank whole milk had a 40 percent lower chance of being overweight or obese compared with those who drank low-fat milk. The findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.