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[Effects of different feeding types on the physical growth of infants]

Wei Liu1, Fan Yang, Dan-hong Liu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical Science Edition
|July 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bottle feeding in infants is linked to a higher risk of overweight and obesity. Breast feeding may help prevent infant obesity, showing potential health benefits for early development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infant feeding practices significantly influence physical development and long-term health outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of different feeding methods is crucial for public health initiatives and clinical guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential effects of breast feeding, bottle feeding, and mixed feeding on infant physical growth.
  • To analyze the association between feeding types and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in infants.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of infants attending regular child health clinics was recruited.
  • Infants were categorized into breast feeding, bottle feeding, and mixed feeding groups before 4 months of age.
  • Growth indices were measured, and World Health Organization (WHO) Body Mass Index (BMI) standards were applied to assess overweight and obesity.

Main Results:

  • Male infants breast fed showed greater weight and length in the first 3 months; bottle-fed males surpassed others from 4 months onwards, with significant differences emerging later.
  • Female infants bottle fed exhibited greater weight and length from 3 and 4 months, respectively, with statistically significant differences observed throughout much of the first year.
  • Overweight prevalence shifted from being higher in breast-fed infants before 3 months to being highest in bottle-fed infants aged 4 months and older; obesity rates were also highest in bottle-fed infants.

Conclusions:

  • Bottle feeding is associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in infants.
  • Breast feeding demonstrates a potential protective effect against the development of infant obesity.
Abstract

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