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Effects of breastfeeding on weight changes in family-based pediatric obesity treatment

Gary S Goldfield1, Rocco Paluch, Karen Keniray

  • 1Mental Health Research, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ggoldfield@cheo.on.ca

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|May 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding history significantly impacts pediatric obesity treatment outcomes. Breastfed children experienced greater weight reduction in a 6-month behavioral program compared to non-breastfed children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Obesity Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is linked to obesity prevention.
  • Obesogenic environments can still lead to obesity in breastfed children.
  • Family-based behavioral treatments are key for pediatric obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine breastfeeding's effect on weight changes in children undergoing obesity treatment.
  • To compare outcomes for exclusively breastfed versus never-breastfed children.
  • To assess breastfeeding's role in improving pediatric obesity treatment results.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 94 families in a 6-month pediatric obesity treatment program.
  • Defined breastfeeding as exclusive for 4 weeks; non-breastfed defined as formula-fed.
  • Used analysis of covariance to evaluate percent overweight and BMI changes at 6 and 12 months, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Breastfed children (n=66) showed significantly greater reductions in percent overweight at 6 months (-15.2%) and 1 year (-10.3%) compared to non-breastfed children (n=28).
  • Breastfed children also exhibited greater reductions in body mass index (BMI) at 6 months (-2.1) and 1 year (-0.8).
  • These beneficial effects were observed despite participation in a behavioral treatment program for childhood obesity.

Conclusions:

  • The positive effects of breastfeeding may enhance outcomes in family-based pediatric obesity treatment.
  • Breastfeeding's benefits extend beyond prevention, potentially improving treatment efficacy.
  • Further research into mechanisms linking breastfeeding, obesity, and treatment outcomes is warranted.

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