Breastfeeding and postpartum weight loss.
Christina-Paulina Lambrinou1, Eva Karaglani, Yannis Manios
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|October 3, 2019
Summary
Breastfeeding may aid postpartum weight loss by increasing energy expenditure, though research is ongoing. Healthcare providers should encourage breastfeeding for maternal and infant health, and potential weight management benefits.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Metabolism
- Public Health
Background:
- Postpartum weight retention is a significant concern, elevating risks of long-term overweight and obesity in women.
- Breastfeeding represents a substantial energy expenditure for mothers, potentially creating a negative energy balance conducive to weight loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on the association between breastfeeding and postpartum weight loss.
- To explore the potential mechanisms and determinants linking breastfeeding to maternal weight management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies examining breastfeeding and postpartum weight changes.
- Analysis of reported associations, potential mechanisms, and influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Studies show mixed results, with some reporting a positive association between breastfeeding and postpartum weight loss, while others find no significant link.
- Various potential mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and determinants influencing this relationship have been identified.
Conclusions:
- While evidence suggests a beneficial role for breastfeeding in postpartum weight loss, further research with robust study designs is necessary for definitive conclusions.
- Healthcare providers are encouraged to promote breastfeeding due to its established health benefits for mother and child, and its potential contribution to postpartum weight management.
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