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Relationship between maternal obesity and infant feeding-interactions
Russell Rising1, Fima Lifshitz
1EMTAC Inc., 514 Santander Ave. #5, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA. Russell_rising@yahoo.com
Nutrition Journal
|May 14, 2005
Summary
Maternal adiposity is linked to altered infant feeding patterns, with obese mothers feeding infants less frequently but with higher energy and carbohydrate intake. These changes may increase the risk of childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Limited data exist on the link between maternal adiposity and infant feeding/interaction.
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern, necessitating investigation into early life factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between maternal body weight and composition and infant feeding patterns.
- To assess maternal-infant interaction during 24-hour metabolic measurements.
Main Methods:
- Four obese and three normal-weight mothers participated in 24-hour metabolic studies.
- Infant feeding, interaction times, and energy/macronutrient intake were recorded.
- Maternal and infant body composition were measured; statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and t-tests.
Main Results:
- Infants of obese mothers consumed more energy and carbohydrates, primarily from complementary feedings.
- Maternal body weight and fat percentage correlated positively with infant energy intake.
- Obese mothers spent less time interacting with and feeding their infants, with negative correlations between interaction time and maternal adiposity.
Conclusions:
- Increased maternal body weight and fat are associated with higher infant energy intake.
- Infants of obese mothers had altered feeding patterns (less frequent, higher carb intake), potentially increasing obesity risk.
- Despite altered feeding, infant energy expenditure and metabolic rates did not differ.