Does Breastfeeding Protect Babies From Obesity Later In Life?
Yes, says Christopher G. Owen, Ph.D., senior lecturer in epidemiology, St. George’s, University of London, England, and author of a Pediatrics article on infant feeding and the risk of obesity. Breastfeeding may have a small protective effect against obesity later in life, according to our recent review of published studies. However, it remains unclear whether this effect is due to something in breast milk per se. Rather, it’s possible that mothers who breastfeed their babies are likely to be more health-conscious and engage in a wide variety of healthier behaviors that reduce their child’s risk of becoming obese. That said, choosing to breastfeed is important for a number of health reasons, such as improved mental development, fewer allergies and possibly lower cholesterol in later life. We need to encourage the lifestyle that results in a mother choosing to breastfeed, as it is lifestyle that appears to be more important in determining whether an infant becomes fat later on in life.
