Having fat-free milk at breakfast instead of fruit juice may help people feel full longer and eat less at lunch, according to a new study.

Researchers in Australia found that people who drank milk in the morning felt more full before the next meal and tended to eat less. Milk drinkers ate about 50 fewer calories at lunch.

That's about 9 percent less food than those who had a fruit drink earlier.

The study looked at 34 overweight men and women. On one day they were given milk, on another they were given fruit drink. Both times, the drink accounted for about 250 calories.

Researchers said in a news release that it may be that the protein, lactose or just the thickness of the drink may have left people feeling more satisfied.

They also noted that people who want to lose weight may be able to reach their goals with small changes such as cutting 50 calories a day.

The study appeared in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A news release on the work did not discuss the funding or other support for the work.

The study also did not appear to attempt the find out of any of the people were able to lose weight on a consistent milk diet.