The effect of breastfeeding on childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. There is increasing attention to the topic of prevention and continued debate as to whether breastfeeding (BF) is protective against childhood obesity. Previous systematic reviews on this topic were done in 2005 showing that BF was protective against childhood obesity but, because of confounding variables, the evidence was weak. Objective To explore the current evidence of the effect of BF on childhood obesity and provide recommendations for the nurse practitioner (NP) as a primary care provider. Methods A systematic review of the literature from 1/2005 to 3/2012 was done to assess the evidence on the relationship between BF and childhood obesity. Results The majority of studies identified in this article showed a relationship between BF and obesity prevention, but because of confounding maternal, child, cultural, genetic, and environmental variables, the relationship remains unclear. Conclusions While it is possible that there are protective benefits of BF on childhood obesity, it is difficult to prove because of confounding variables. However, because of other benefits for the mother and child, BF should be encouraged. Whether obesity in childhood can be prevented by BF remains unclear. Further research controlling for confounding variables is needed to provide concrete evidence.

Establishment of Intestinal Microbiota during Early Life: a Longitudinal, Explorative Study of a Large Cohort of Danish Infants

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Early-Life Bisphenol A Exposure and Child Body Mass Index: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Dietary variables were collected during pregnancy for mothers and annually at 2–5 years of age for children. We adjusted for prenatal vitamin use and breastfeeding duration because vitamins may be a source of methyl donors, and breastfeeding may decrease child obesity risk, respectively (Anderson et al 2012; Lefebvre and John 2014). Child activity variables were collected annually at 2–5 years of age and included parent-reported hours of daily television watching and outdoor time.…”

Exclusively breastfed overweight infants are at the same risk of childhood overweight as formula fed overweight infants

“…Colen et al 24 stated that desirable health effects originally attributed to breast feeding, may be due to other key characteristics, such as ethnicity and socioeconomic status. A recent review concluded that the beneficial effect of breast feeding on childhood obesity is difficult to prove because of confounding variables 25. Both studies emphasise the role of confounders.…”