Breast is best for forward planning obesity fight
THE PULSE
Compiled by Christine White
October 07, 2006
BREAST-FEEDING may be another weapon in the war against childhood obesity. New research in the journal Diabetes Care shows that children who are breast-fed as infants are less likely to become obese as they get older, regardless of whether their mothers are overweight or diabetic. The study included 15,253 boys and girls aged 9 to 14. Children and their mothers were surveyed to determine current height and weight, as well as the method of feeding used in the first six months of life.
Overall, 6.7 per cent of the children were overweight and another 13.4 per cent were considered "at risk" for becoming overweight. Compared with the exclusive use of formula, exclusive breast-feeding in the first six months reduced the risk of childhood obesity by 34 per cent. This reduction was seen even if the mother was overweight or diabetic.
Diabetes Care 2006;29:2231-2237 (Mayer-Davis EJ, et al)
Childhood Obesity aided by breast feeding
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