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[Association between feeding patterns within 4 months of age and physical growth, overweight and obesity in children

Zi Ye1, Yanan Kong1, Ji Min2

  • 1National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Human Milk Science, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention;NHC Key Laboratory of Public Nutrition and Health, Beijing 100050, China.

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu = Journal of Hygiene Research
|June 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding patterns within the first 4 months do not impact physical growth up to age 3. Overweight and obesity risks in young children are primarily linked to birth weight and delivery method, not early diet.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric nutrition
  • Childhood growth and development
  • Public health

Context:

  • Prospective cohort study in China (TAWS) followed 1458 children from 2013-2019.
  • Feeding patterns within the first 4 months were assessed via questionnaire.
  • Physical growth (WAZ, LAZ, WLZ) and overweight/obesity risk were tracked up to 3 years of age.

Purpose:

  • To examine the association between early infant feeding patterns (first 4 months) and physical growth.
  • To determine the relationship between early feeding patterns and the risk of overweight and obesity in children aged 0-3 years.

Summary:

  • No significant differences in length-for-age Z-score (LAZ), weight-for-length Z-score (WLZ), or weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) were found among different feeding pattern groups.
  • Early feeding patterns (within 4 months) were not associated with the risk of overweight and obesity after adjusting for confounding factors.
  • High birth weight (large-for-gestational-age) and caesarean delivery were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity at 12 months.

Impact:

  • Findings suggest that early feeding patterns have a limited role in long-term physical growth and weight status.
  • Highlights the significant influence of prenatal factors (birth weight) and delivery mode on childhood overweight and obesity.
  • Informs guidance on childhood obesity prevention, emphasizing factors beyond early infant feeding.
Abstract

Keywords:
feeding patternsinfantobesityoverweightphysical growth

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