Early infant feeding and childhood adiposity (391.3)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of early childhood feeding practices on childhood obesity. The specific aims were to examine the relationship between infant feeding and age of introduction of complementary foods, and childhood adiposity. This was a cross‐sectional study of 4 to 6 years old children and their mothers. Infant feeding and timing of introduction of complementary foods were reported by the mother. Child adiposity was assessed via the BOD POD Pediatric Option. Participants were mostly Caucasians (88.9%), female (66.7%) and average age was 4.9±0.8 years. About 41% of the children were breastfeed exclusively (EBF) for at least 4 months, while complementary foods were introduced as early as 6 weeks of age. There was no statistically significant relationship between infant feeding practice and adiposity or age of introduction to complementary foods and adiposity, although children who were mixed fed weighed about 1 kg heavier and had about 3% less body fat than their (EBF) counterparts. Children introduced to early complementary feeding (<4 months) weighed more and had slightly higher percent body fat. There was, however, a significant, positive correlation between the mother’s pre‐pregnancy BMI and the birth weight of the child (P=.009) and the child’s current weight (P=.031). Our findings suggest in‐utero and other external factors besides the child’s diet may be contributing to childhood obesity.Grant Funding Source: Hatch ‐ GEO00701