Breast-feeding and postpartum weight retention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: Weight gained during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention might contribute to obesity in women of childbearing age. Whether breast-feeding (BF) may decrease postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is still controversial. The purpose of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between BF and PPWR. Design: Three databases were systematically reviewed and the reference lists of relevant articles were checked. Meta-analysis was performed to quantify the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) of BF on PPWR by using a randomeffect model. Heterogeneity was tested using the χ 2 test and I 2 statistics. Publication bias was estimated from Egger's test (linear regression method) or Begg's test (rank correlation method). Results: Among 349 search hits, eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Seven studies were conducted in the USA, one in Brazil, one in France, one in Georgia and one in Croatia. Compared with formula-feeding, BF for 3 to ≤6 months seemed to have a negative influence on PPWR and if BF continued for >6 months had little or no influence on PPWR. In a subgroup meta-analysis, the results did not change substantially after the analysis had been classified by available confounding factors. There was no indication of a publication bias from the result of either Egger's test or Begg's test. Conclusions: Although the available evidence held belief that BF decreases PPWR, more robust studies are needed to reliably assess the impact of patterns and duration of BF on PPWR.

Postpartum Weight Retention Risk Factors in a Taiwanese Cohort Study

“…The results of the present study suggest that, compared with exclusive formula feeding or a combination of breast and formula feeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first month postpartum leads to an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight at both 1 and 6 months postpartum. Thus, we contend that exclusive breastfeeding has a protective effect on PPWR, which is supported by the findings of several previous studies [5,6,21,23]. …”

“…A review published in 2015 indicated that, compared with formula feeding, continual breastfeeding for 3-6 months correlates negatively with PPWR; however, the difference becomes nonsignificant after 6 months [21]. The results of the present study suggest that, compared with exclusive formula feeding or a combination of breast and formula feeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first month postpartum leads to an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight at both 1 and 6 months postpartum.…”

“…There is a lack of consensus regarding the effects of breastfeeding on PPWR [5,6,19,21,22,23]. A review published in 2015 indicated that, compared with formula feeding, continual breastfeeding for 3-6 months correlates negatively with PPWR; however, the difference becomes nonsignificant after 6 months [21].…”

High‐intensity breastfeeding improves insulin sensitivity during early post‐partum period in obese women with gestational diabetes

“…Interestingly and unexpectedly, the PWC did not significantly differ between the HIB and non‐HIB groups in our study. Similarly, some authors reported that there was no significant effect of breastfeeding on the PWC from 1 to 3 months post‐partum . Although breastfeeding for 3 to 6 months may decrease post‐partum weight retention compared with formula feeding, its efficacy remains controversial.…”

Why young women gain weight: A narrative review of influencing factors and possible solutions

“…There is uncertainty about the impact of breastfeeding on postpartum weight. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have found no association or a modest benefit of breastfeeding on postpartum weight . The most recent meta‐analysis found postpartum weight retention 0.38 (95% CI, 0.11‐ 0.6) kg lower in breastfeeding compared with bottle feeding mothers .…”