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Breastfeeding and overweight in childhood: evidence from the Pelotas 1993 birth cohort study

C L Araújo1, C G Victora, P C Hallal

  • 1Post-graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|November 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding duration did not significantly impact overweight prevalence in Brazilian children by age 4. Continued breastfeeding promotion is advised for its other established health benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns.
  • Understanding the role of breastfeeding in long-term weight management is crucial for public health strategies.
  • Previous research suggests a potential protective effect of breastfeeding against overweight.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of overweight in Brazilian children at age 4.
  • To assess the impact of breastfeeding on mean weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, population-based birth cohort study included 1,273 children at age 4.
  • Breastfeeding duration (any, exclusive/predominant, ever) was assessed.
  • Overweight was defined as WHZ >2, using National Center for Health Statistics reference curves.

Main Results:

  • Overweight prevalence was 10.2% at age 4.
  • The lowest prevalence (6.5%) was observed in children breastfed for over 11 months.
  • No significant association was found between breastfeeding duration and overweight prevalence or mean WHZ in multivariable analyses.

Conclusions:

  • The study's findings do not support the hypothesis that breastfeeding promotion reduces overweight in this Brazilian population.
  • Despite the lack of association with overweight, the continued promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding are recommended due to its numerous other maternal and child health benefits.
Abstract

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