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Breastfeeding and overweight/obesity among children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Fange Liu1, Di Lv2,3, Lumin Wang4

  • 1Pediatric Nephrology and Endocrinology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University &Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, No.16766 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250014, China. liufe@sdu.edu.cn.

BMC Pediatrics
|June 16, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Extended breastfeeding significantly reduces childhood overweight and obesity. Children breastfed over 12 months, especially boys aged 9-11, show lower BMI and obesity risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity represent a significant public health concern with substantial economic implications.
  • Investigating the link between breastfeeding duration and pediatric obesity is crucial for developing effective health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between the duration of breastfeeding and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.
  • To identify specific age groups or demographics that benefit most from prolonged breastfeeding in relation to weight status.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted in 2017 involving 10,753 students (aged 6-16 years) in Qingdao, China.
  • Data collection included anthropometric measurements and self-administered questionnaires, analyzed using univariate, multivariate, and regression models.

Main Results:

  • The study found a significant negative correlation between breastfeeding duration and Body Mass Index (BMI) in children and adolescents.
  • Boys breastfed for over 12 months exhibited significantly lower BMI compared to those breastfed for shorter durations.
  • Prolonged breastfeeding demonstrated a positive impact on reducing obesity prevalence, particularly in boys aged 9-11 years.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding, especially for durations exceeding 12 months, is associated with a reduced prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.
  • The findings highlight the protective effect of extended breastfeeding against childhood obesity, with a notable benefit for young boys.
Abstract

Keywords:
BMIBreastfeedingChildren and adolescentsOverweight and obesity

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