Newborn feeding recommendations and practices increase the risk of development of overweight and obesity

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity among infants less than 2 years of age has increased by more than 60% over the last three decades. Obese infants and toddlers are at an increased risk for staying overweight into adolescence and adulthood. Metabolic programming has been demonstrated in animal models whereby early life feeding habits result in life-long changes in hormone balance and metabolism. Our study explores if newborn overnutrition on the first day of life (DOL1) is associated with risk for future overweight and obesity in childhood. Methods: Retrospective chart data was collected for full term formula-fed infants born between January 2008 and December 2012 who continued care at the same institution. Data included the volume of formula (ml) consumed on DOL1 as well, as subsequent yearly BMI measures from well child checkups (WCC). Overfeeding was categorized as any feed greater than or equal to 30 ml on any of the first seven feeds while controlling for birth weight. Results:The final data set included 1106 infants (547 male; 559 female). 1023 of the 1106 newborns (93%) were overfed at least once during DOL1, while 789 of 1106 (71%) were overfed 3 or more times during their first 7 feeds. After adjusting for birth weight, infants who were overfed 5 of the first 7 feeds were 5 times as likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year well child check-up (p < 0.05) compared to children not overfed. Infants who were overfed on all 7 of their first 7 feeds were 7 times more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC (p = 0.017).Conclusions: Infants overfed on DOL1 were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese at their 4th year WCC, compared to infants not overfed on their first day of life. Newborn families may benefit from counseling regarding age-appropriate volumes of formula during this critical time period. Future studies will aim to look at effect of implementation of smaller feeding bottle size on reducing overfeeding practices and future risk of overweight and obesity.

Influence of Maternal Body Fat on Levels of Insulin, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and Obestatin

“…Additionally, obestatin levels in HM decreased gradually up to 30 days postpartum, which may be related to its function in controlling appetite (Gila-Diaz et al, 2019). The appetite of newborns should be regulated because overeating may negatively affect infant metabolism (Watchmaker et al, 2020). However, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between obestatin levels in HM and nutritional programming in infants has not yet been investigated; thus, further studies are required.…”

Reexamining the complex issue of obesity in childhood

“…10 Rapid weight gain resulting from overfeeding infants during their first months of life also significantly increases the risk of obesity by the age of 4 years. 11 Children and adolescents who eat in front of screens, frequently snack, eat meals alone rather than together with their families, and/or live in multiple households due to, for example, parental separation can develop unhealthy eating behaviors in view of these individual risk factors. Decreased physical activity and use of obesogenic medications also constitute individual risk factors.…”

Early and Higher Volumes of Formula Supplementation after Birth Impact Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge in Well-Baby Nursery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…the normal neonatal physiological stomach capacity based on the fetal and postnatal measurements of gastric volumes [10][11][12][13][14]. Furthermore, neither the infant's birth weight (BW) nor the gestational age (GA) is generally considered deciding feeding volumes during this early neonatal phase.…”

“…These feeding volumes can even exceed the normal neonatal physiological stomach capacity based on the fetal and postnatal measurements of gastric volumes. [10][11][12][13][14] Furthermore, neither the infant's birthweight (BW) nor the gestational age (GA) is generally considered deciding feeding volumes during this early neonatal phase. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the outcome of BFAD in infants exposed to FS in relation to their BW (in mL/kg) in the first 24 HOL.…”