Maternal breastfeeding, early introduction of non-breast milk, and excess weight in preschoolers

Abstract

Objective:Investigate associations between excess weight in preschool children, breastfeeding duration and age of non-breast milk introduction.Methods:Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 817 preschool children, aged 2-4 years, attending municipal day care centers in the city of Taubaté. The weight and height of children were measured in the day care centers in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The body mass index z-score (BMIz) was calculated and children were classified as risk of overweight (BMIz≥1 to<2) or excess weight (BMIz≥2). Data analysis was carried out by comparison of proportions, coefficient of correlation and multivariate linear regression.Results:The prevalence of risk of overweight was 18.9% and of excess weight (overweight or obesity) was 9.3%. The median duration of breastfeeding and age of introduction of non-breast milk was 6 months. The child's BMIz showed direct correlation with birth weight (r=0.154; p<0.001) and maternal body mass index (BMI) (r=0.113; p=0.002). The correlation was inverse with the total duration of breastfeeding (r=−0.099; p=0.006) and age at non-breast milk introduction (r=−0.112; p=0.002). There was no correlation between the child's BMIz with birth length, duration of exclusive breastfeeding and mother's age.Conclusions:The earlier the introduction of non-breast milk, the higher the correlation with excess weight at preschool age.

Prospective BMI changes in preschool children are associated with parental characteristics and body weight perceptions: the ToyBox-study

“…Maternal parity has also been associated with a lower risk of childhood overweight (26) , although this maybe dependent on breast-feeding (27) . Exclusive breast-feeding and later age of introduction of non-breast milk have shown protective effects on preschool overweight/obesity in some (28)(29)(30) but not all studies. Despite the well-established relationship between perinatal and early life factors with overweight and obesity at preschool years, their effect on BMI changes in this age group remains to be thoroughly investigated.…”

Do maternal grandmothers influence breastfeeding duration and infant nutrition? Evidence from Merida, Mexico

“…Grandmaternal influence on breastfeeding practices may have long‐term health consequences, as several studies have shown an association of shorter duration of breastfeeding with obesity, body fatness and the metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence (Ejlerskov et al, 2015 ; Grummer‐Strawn & Mei, 2004 ; Horta et al, 2013 ; Martorell et al, 2001 ; Nascimento et al, 2016 ; Wisnieski et al, 2018 ), though other studies find no such associations (Harder et al, 2005 ; Kramer et al, 2007 ; Sanchez‐Escobedo et al, 2020 ; Schwartz et al, 2015 ). Moreover, there is evidence that infant feeding mode may shape children's subsequent eating behaviors (Li et al, 2014 ; Mariscal Rizo et al, 2017 ).…”

Aspectos influenciadores da introdução alimentar infantil

“…Pesquisas apontam que crianças que receberam alimentos antes do período adequado foram mais suscetíveis a doenças 7 , desnutrição 2 e obesidade 8 . Além dos prejuízos que são notados em curto prazo, de acordo com a OMS existem consequências em longo prazo, tais como, fraco desempenho escolar, produtividade diminuída e menor desenvolvimento intelectual e social 9 .…”