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Breastfeeding and overweight in childhood: evidence from the Pelotas 1993 birth cohort study

International Journal of Obesity volume 30, pages 500–506 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

The effect of breastfeeding duration on the prevalence of overweight and on mean weight for height z-score (WHZ) was evaluated in Brazilian children.

Design:

Prospective population-based birth cohort study.

Subjects:

In total, 1273 children aged 4 years, corresponding to a follow-up rate of 87.2%.

Measurements:

Three explanatory variables were studied: duration of any breastfeeding, duration of exclusive or predominant breastfeeding, and ever breastfeeding. Weight and height were measured using a digital electronic scale and a portable stadiometer. Overweight was defined as WHZ >2 using the National Center for Health Statistics reference curve.

Results:

Overweight prevalence at the age of 4 years was 10.2% (95% CI 8.4; 11.8). The lowest prevalence (6.5%) was observed among children breastfed for >11 months. Among those breastfed for less than 3 months, the prevalence of overweight was approximately 9.5%. Mean WHZ ranged from 0.38 among children breastfed for less than 1 month to 0.62 among those breastfed for 9–11.9 months. No linear trends were detected in the association between breastfeeding and anthropometric indicators. None of the three breastfeeding variables was significantly associated with the prevalence of overweight or mean WHZ in multivariable analyses. No interactions were detected between breastfeeding and the variables sex, birth weight, socioeconomic status, skin color and pregestational in body mass index.

Conclusion:

Our results do not support the hypothesis that breastfeeding promotion would reduce overweight or obesity in this population. Existing evidence on many other benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and the child supports its continued promotion, protection and support.

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Acknowledgements

This analysis was supported by the Wellcome Trusts initiative entitled Major Awards for Latin America on Health Consequences of Population Change. Earlier phases of the 1993 cohort study were funded by the European Union, the National Program for Centers of Excellence (Brazil), the National Research Council (Brazil) and the Ministry of Health (Brazil).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Post-graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

    C L Araújo, C G Victora, P C Hallal & D P Gigante

Authors
  1. C L Araújo
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  2. C G Victora
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  3. P C Hallal
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  4. D P Gigante
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P C Hallal.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on International Journal of Obesity webiste (http://www.nature.com/ijo)

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Araújo, C., Victora, C., Hallal, P. et al. Breastfeeding and overweight in childhood: evidence from the Pelotas 1993 birth cohort study. Int J Obes 30, 500–506 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803160

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