Abstract
ObjectiveInvestigate associations between excess weight in preschool children, breastfeeding duration and age of non-breast milk introduction. MethodsCross-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. ResultsThe 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. ConclusionsThe earlier the introduction of non-breast milk, the higher the correlation with excess weight at preschool age.
Highlights
Maternal breastfeeding is a natural and appropriate way to feed a child in the first months of life, promoting adequate growth and development.[1]
The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between excess weight at preschool age and duration of breastfeeding and age of non-breast milk introduction, with birth weight and length control, in addition to some maternal risk characteristics for early development of excess weight
As for gender, the male gender showed to be a protective factor for excess weight, the impact was very small
Summary
Maternal breastfeeding is a natural and appropriate way to feed a child in the first months of life, promoting adequate growth and development.[1]. Obesity is currently one of the major public health problems, including in the Pediatric population, from infancy to adolescence. In this context, it is known that the first months of life are identified as crucial for the development of obesity.[11,12] Early introduction of solid foods, before 4 months of life, is associated with increased weight gain and even of body fat during childhood,[13,14] with these factors being considered as predisposing to obesity in the future.[15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
