There does exist a tradition of mixing a pinch of turmeric in milk in South Asia. It does help in improving the bioavailability of the bioactive molecule curcumin present in this spice.
Curcuminoids and sesquiterpenoids present in turmeric suppress blood glucose levels. (Nishiyama et al., 2005) Curcumin probably plays an anti-obesity role by helping down-regulate blood lipids and glucose. (Alappat et al., 2010)
There are no clinical trials that support the role of turmeric in weight loss.
Turmeric is a constituent of two of the more popular weight loss combinations used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda works on a polyherbal principle. Even from the Ayurveda standpoint consuming a stand-alone herb would not be effective.
The scientific support to any polyherbal combinations recommended in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine is tenuous. Very small trials have been conducted, and these are not enough to scientifically validate their effectiveness.
Obesity is a lifestyle disease. It is a complex disease. There is no scientific support for miracle cures for this disease. Obesity treatment is a complex science requiring a multi-disciplinary approach to this disease. Its requirement requires a lot of effort both on the part of the patient as well as the team assisting the patient in treating the disease. An obesity treatment team will normally contain a physician, a nutritionist, and a physical trainer.
But you can consume milk with turmeric. I did not find any scientific support that indicates that it is harmful to health. But if you are looking to reverse obesity, you will have to do much more.
Additional reading:
- Natural Solutions for obesity
- Asian herbs and their wondrous health-giving properties
- Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants