Cutting milk out of our diets could be potentially detrimental to health and prevent weight loss rather than encourage it, experts say. Research has found that more than one in ten people choose to eliminate dairy from their diet, considering it to be unhealthy. Dr Judith Bryans, director of the Dairy Council and registered nutritionist, said: "As summer is approaching, many people are thinking about getting into better shape.

"Anyone who is trying to slim down still needs to get their daily requirement for nutrients… Milk and dairy foods are rich in nutrients and play a vital part in a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle."

Studies have proved that milk drinkers tend to be slimmer than those who drink little or no milk. Cravendale's head nutritionist, Sue Malcolm, explained: "Milk is wrongly thought to be a fatty, unhealthy option and this notion is perpetuated by many faddy diet trends."Milk contains 17 essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins B2 and B12, calcium, and phosphorous.