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The contribution of feeding mode to obesogenic growth trajectories in American Samoan infants

N L Hawley1, W Johnson, O Nu'usolia

  • 1International Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Pediatric Obesity
|February 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Samoan infants experience rapid weight gain, leading to high rates of infant obesity. Breastfeeding is associated with slower weight gain, suggesting it can help prevent obesity in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Obesity Epidemiology
  • Growth Monitoring

Background:

  • Samoan adults have high rates of obesity.
  • Infant obesity is a growing concern globally.
  • Polynesian populations are understudied regarding infant obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in American Samoan infants.
  • To investigate the impact of feeding mode on infant growth trajectories.
  • To assess breastfeeding's role in mitigating infant obesity risk.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of well baby records for 795 Samoan infants (0-15 months).
  • Utilized mixed-effects growth models for weight and length.
  • Compared growth trajectories based on feeding mode (breastfed vs. formula/mixed-fed).

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of overweight and obesity observed by 15 months.
  • Formula-fed infants showed faster weight and length gain compared to breastfed infants.
  • Formula-fed boys had significantly higher odds of obesity at 15 months.

Conclusions:

  • Infant obesity is a significant issue in American Samoans, not limited to adults.
  • Early life interventions are crucial for obesity prevention.
  • Promoting breastfeeding may be an effective strategy to reduce infant obesity.
Abstract

Keywords:
American Samoabreastfeedingobesity

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