Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Fat Preference: A Novel Model of Eating Behavior in Rats
05:57

Fat Preference: A Novel Model of Eating Behavior in Rats

Published on: June 27, 2014

13.0K

Breastfeeding and body composition in early adolescence: Is the relationship mediated by ultra-processed food

Leonardo Pozza Santos1, Renata M Bielemann1, Caroline S Costa2

  • 1Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Foods, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|May 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding impacts child body composition, affecting fat and lean mass differently in boys and girls by age 11. Ultra-processed food consumption did not mediate these long-term effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Human Development

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is recognized for its health benefits, but its long-term impact on body composition requires further investigation.
  • Understanding how breastfeeding influences overall and regional body composition is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the associations between breastfeeding duration and patterns with overall and regional body composition at 11 years of age.
  • To determine if ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption mediates the relationship between breastfeeding and body composition.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study (2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort) with breastfeeding data from early childhood and body composition assessed at 11 years.
  • Multiple linear regression and mediation analysis (G-computation) were used to analyze associations with BMI z-score, FMI, FFMI, AFM, GFM, and ALST, considering UPF consumption at 6 years.

Main Results:

  • Sex-specific associations were observed: longer exclusive breastfeeding linked to lower android fat mass in boys.
  • In boys, any breastfeeding at 3 months and longer total duration correlated with higher BMI z-score, FFMI, and regional lean/gynoid mass.
  • In girls, longer exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding at 12 months were associated with higher BMI z-score, FMI, FFMI, GFM, and ALST.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding is associated with significant differences in overall and regional body composition at age 11, varying by sex and breastfeeding type.
  • Findings highlight breastfeeding's potential role in shaping adiposity, fat distribution, and lean mass development.
  • Ultra-processed food consumption did not mediate the observed breastfeeding-body composition associations.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnthropometryBody shapeChild nutritionCohort studiesMediation analysis

More Related Videos

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents09:10

Palatable Western-style Cafeteria Diet as a Reliable Method for Modeling Diet-induced Obesity in Rodents

Published on: November 1, 2019

10.6K
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

26.7K

Related Concept Videos

Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
2.1K
Regulation of Food Intake01:30

Regulation of Food Intake

Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
2.8K
Anorexia Nervosa01:28

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
2.0K
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
2.0K
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
1.1K