Does Breast Feeding Protect Mothers From Obesity?
Süleyman Coşgun1, Derya Ünal2, Aysun Çalışkan Kartal3
1Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Kütahya University of Health Sciences, Kütahya, TUR.
Cureus
|October 28, 2024
Summary
Breastfeeding for at least six months may protect maternal health by reducing body mass index (BMI), a factor linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Longer lactation durations show significant differences in BMI compared to shorter ones.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lifestyle changes contribute to rising rates of hepatosteatosis (fatty liver disease).
- While often asymptomatic, hepatosteatosis can lead to severe comorbidities if unmanaged.
- Existing literature presents conflicting evidence regarding breastfeeding's protective effect against hepatosteatosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding duration, metabolic health, and fatty liver disease.
- To explore the relationship between lactation, insulin resistance, and liver fibrosis markers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 135 women (aged 20-40) with at least one pregnancy.
- A control group of 45 healthcare staff who never breastfed was included.
- Data collected included BMI, breastfeeding duration, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), NAFLD fibrosis score, and FIB-4 score.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between total breastfeeding time and BMI, NAFLD fibrosis score, HOMA-IR, or HbA1c.
- A significant difference in BMI was observed between women breastfeeding for <6 months and >6 months (p=0.02).
- BMI showed a significant relationship with NAFLD (p=0.00) and HOMA-IR (p=0.00); significant differences in FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis scores were noted between the control and breastfed groups.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining lactation for at least six months is recommended for maternal and infant health.
- Further comprehensive studies are needed to gather long-term data on the benefits of breastfeeding.
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