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Breastfeeding and obesity among Kuwaiti preschool children
1Administration of Food and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Shuwaikh 70655, Kuwait. alqaoudnawal@yahoo.com
Insights
Breastfeeding does not appear to reduce obesity risk in Kuwaiti preschoolers. However, maternal obesity significantly increases a child's risk of being overweight or obese.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Childhood Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing global concern.
- Understanding risk factors for pediatric obesity is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- The role of breastfeeding in long-term weight status requires further investigation in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding and its duration with the risk of overweight and obesity in Kuwaiti preschool children.
- To identify other significant predictors of obesity in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 2,291 preschool children (3-6 years) and their mothers in Kuwait.
- Data collected via questionnaires and anthropometric measurements (height and weight) from September 2003 to June 2004.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between breastfeeding or its duration and overweight/obesity in preschool children.
- Significant predictors of childhood obesity included child's gender (girls at higher risk), age (4-5 years at higher risk), and higher birth weight.
- Maternal obesity was a strong predictor, with children of obese mothers having a significantly higher risk of being overweight or obese.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding and its duration were not associated with obesity status in Kuwaiti preschoolers.
- A strong positive association exists between maternal obesity and child obesity.
- Child's gender, age, and birth weight are significant factors influencing weight status in early childhood.
Objectives:
To determine if breastfeeding and its duration are associated with a reduced risk of obesity among Kuwaiti preschool children.
Subjects And Methods:
The sample consisted of 2,291 (1,092 males and 1,199 females) preschool children (3-6 years of age) and their mothers. The data were collected from September 2003 to June 2004. Height and weight measurements were used for defining weight status while other data were collected by questionnaire.
Results:
There was no significant association of breastfeeding or its duration with either overweight or obesity among preschool children after adjusting for effects of the confounders. The child's gender, age and birth weight were the significant factors influencing current weight. Girls were at 32% higher risk of becoming obese than boys. Children aged 4-5 years were at nearly 3 times higher risk of overweight and obesity than children of less than 4 years. Children with higher birth weight (>or=4 kg) had double the risk of obesity than those of normal birth weight (>or=2.5 to <4.0 kg). Maternal obesity was a strong predictor of obesity in the children. A child with an obese mother had nearly 2 times higher risk of being overweight (BMI between the 85th the 95th percentiles) and 3 times of being obese (BMI >or=95th percentile) compared to a child born to a mother with a normal body weight.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding and its duration are not associated with obesity status. However, there is a positive association between child and maternal obesity.
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