Soy Shakes Better Than Milk?

A study conducted by the University of Kentucky (see abstract) has compared soy protein shakes with milk-based meal replacements. The study concludes that the weight loss between the groups was similar, but the soy protein group reduced their levels of LDL cholesterol.

Adults assigned to the soy group were instructed to consume five servings of Scan-Diet each day along with fruits and vegetables. Those assigned to the milk group were instructed to consume two servings of Slim-Fast each day along with fruits, vegetables and two servings of chicken breast, turkey or other lean meat.

Does this mean shakes are the way to go for weight loss? Probably the fact that the participants were all consuming about 1200 kCals per day had something to do with it. If anything this study isn't so much about weight loss but a difference between soy and dairy and effect on LDL cholesterol.