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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
[Protective effect of breast feeding in childhood obesity]
Afifa Abdelkafi Koubaa1, Najet Bel Abed, Héla Cheikhrouhou
1Groupement des Soins de Santé de Base de Zaghouan, Hôpital Régional de Zaghouan.
Insights
Breastfeeding significantly reduces childhood obesity risk. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months or longer offers the most protection, highlighting its importance for public health and child well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding protective factors like breastfeeding is crucial for prevention strategies.
- This study investigates obesity prevalence and breastfeeding in a specific pediatric population.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of childhood obesity in Zaghouan.
- To assess the association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity.
- To evaluate the protective effect of breastfeeding against obesity.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 162 children (2-6 years) in Zaghouan.
- Breastfeeding data (duration, exclusivity) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were collected.
- A statistically significant protective effect of breastfeeding against childhood obesity was observed (Odds Ratio = 0.17).
Impact:
- Findings underscore the importance of promoting and supporting breastfeeding practices.
- Results align with World Health Organization recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding.
- This research contributes to evidence-based strategies for preventing childhood obesity.
The Aim:
To evaluate the frequency of obesity in children scolarised in Zaghouan, and to show the protective effect of breast feeding.
Methods:
A retrospective study, included 162 children (aged 2 to 6 years), from 3 kindergartens situated in Zaghouan, during 2006. A questionnaire was drawn up, filled out by parents, concerning the breast feeding, the duration, the family antecedents of obesity, and the nutritional practices. Obesity is defined by an Body Mass Index (BMI) > or =97 centile referring to curve of the centiles of BMI for the age (Rolland Cachera).
Results:
86% of children were breast fed. 85 children (52%) were nursed by breast exclusively 6 months or over (A group). 54 (34%) are exclusively breast-fed lower than 6 months (B group). 23 (14%) were never breast fed (group C). An overweight was found in 20 children (12%). This overweight is noted respectively in 8%, 9% and 8/23 in the groups A, B and C. Our results showed that there is a statistically significant relation between the BMI and the breast feeding (P < 10 -8). Breast feeding has probably a protective effect against obesity of the child (Odds Ratio = 0.17).
Conclusion:
Promotion of the breast-feeding and information on its methods and its control are a public health priority, it protects the child and his mother from certain diseases and prevents from childhood obesity. OMS recommends an exclusive breast feeding until the 6 months age, and to continue if possible until the 2 years.
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