Abstract

GARCIA, Ana Rita. Effect of Breastfeeding in Preventing Childhood Obesity. Nutrícias [online]. 2013, n.16, pp.26-29. ISSN 2182-7230.

Objectives: Childhood obesity is a health problem that affects a growing number of children around the world. The consequences of obesity in children’s health and in the general health status of the population cannot be ignored, making it incredibly important to identify effective prevention strategies. Therefore, this article aimed to study the role of breastfeeding in preventing childhood obesity through some of the most recent literature about this issue. Methodology: Several research papers and meta-analysis that studied the effects of breastfeeding on the growth and the nutritional status of youngsters (0 to 21 years old) were identified through electronic databases Pubmed and Scirus from October 2011 to August 2012. Twenty-seven papers met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that there are still no universal guidelines regarding the prevention of childhood obesity through breastfeeding. On the one hand, some studies suggest metabolic imprinting can occur in infants who are breastfed and protect them against excess adiposity later in life. On the other hand, some studies conclude this correlation loses significance in face of confounding variables.

Keywords : Breastfeeding; Childhood obesity; Prevention; Treatment.

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