Effects of infant feeding practices and maternal characteristics on early childhood obesity

Abstract

Introduction. Early childhood obesity is a serious health problem not only because it causes serious health problems in children, but also because it poses a risk of obesity in the later stages of life. Objective. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of feeding (breastfeeding times, exclusive breastfeeding times, instances of night-time bottle feeding) and maternal characteristics (weight gain during pregnancy, BMI, socioeconomic status) on childhood overweight and obesity in children up to 36 months old. Population and methods: Babies born in the province of Rize (Turkey) between the dates of November 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014 whom birth weights between 2500gr and 4500gr participated in our prospective cohort study. The present study lasted for 3 years and 11 interviews were conducted with each mother of the infants during this period. Relationship between obesity or overweight and feeding practices evaluated into two groups according to their feeding practices.Results. 294 healthy children were included. Mean weight of the babies at 36 months were 14.6 kilograms, 6 babies (2 %) were overweight, 20 babies (7 %) were obese, and 268 babies (91 %) were at an normal weight. 82 babies (21 %) exclusive breastfed less than six months and 212 babies (55 %) exclusive breastfed six months or more. Overweight and obesity is less frequent among children who were exclusively breastfed for at least six months (p<0.05). Conclusion. We concluded.that exclusive breastfeeding time and maternal obesity have a significant effect on childhood overweight and obesity.

Complementary feeding practices and the associated risk of childhood obesity among ethnic minority groups living in high-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A cohort study by Ardic et al found that early feeding habits might be permanent and pose a risk to later health outcomes. 26 In line with this study, Baran (2019), Pearce (2016) and Wang (2013) also found that breastfeeding less than 6 months and introducing adults' meals before 12 months were contributory factors for the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children.…”

“…The relationship between rapid weight gain and later childhood obesity further emphasises the potential programming that occurs very early in life, resulting in COO and associated health problems related to CF practices. A cohort study by Ardic et al found that early feeding habits might be permanent and pose a risk to later health outcomes 26. In line with this study, Baran (2019), Pearce (2016) and Wang (2013) also found that breastfeeding less than 6 months and introducing adults’ meals before 12 months were contributory factors for the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children.…”

Maternal BMI, breastfeeding and perinatal factors that influence early childhood growth trajectories: a scoping review

“…26,27 Characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table 1. The included studies were conducted primarily in the United States (US) (n = 5), [28][29][30][31][32][33] Australia (n = 2), 34,35 and Spain (n = 2), 36,37 while the remaining studies were carried out in Chile, 38 Kuwait, 39 Netherlands, 40 Turkey, 41 and the United Kingdom (UK). 42 The common primary outcome of the included studies were child and adolescent (ranging from 2 to 15 years of age) overweight/obese weight status (defined by WHO 43 or CDC 20 standards) and BMI status (measured as z-score, SDS, and/or percentiles).…”

“…29 Three studies reported family eating practices influenced child eating patterns and food preferences. 33,41,42 In a US study of 4815 children, Black children were significantly less likely to have daily family dinners together and more likely to have a higher BMI when compared to White children. 33 In a UK study, indulgent caregiver feeding style was related to a significantly higher child BMI z-score.…”

“…29,36,39,42 The importance of breastfeeding exclusivity to the recommended 6 months was demonstrated in four studies. 34,37,40,41 These studies observed that when children were exclusively breastfed for ≥6 months they were less likely to become overweight or obese. A dose-response relationship was reported between breastfeeding and risk of child overweight/obesity.…”