Prospective trials have shown an independent negative correlation between dairy food consumption and overweight, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and ischaemic cardiovascular diseases. Large amounts of calcium can reduce intestinal fat absorption. They can also reduce lipogenesis, through an inhibitory effect on calcium calcitriol-mediated intracellular fluxes. Some soluble aminoacids appear to reduce appetite and may also improve tissular insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, arterial pressure and cardiovascular morbidity. Milk and dairy foods are recommended for patients with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, and also for patients at risk. The high quality and low price of dairy proteins must be underlined. Controversy surrounding the possible atherogenic effect of dairy fatty acids means that fat-free milk and other dairy foods without added sugar should be preferred. Contraindications include lactose maltolerance and milk protein allergy.