Breastfeeding duration not associated with average adiposity levels in 6-year-olds to 13-year-olds, but adequate breastfeeding may be associated with lower adiposity in the upper percentiles
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Correspondence to: Garth Edward Kendall
Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia; g.kendall{at}curtin.edu.au
Commentary on:
Implications for practice and research
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This study provides some evidence that adequate breastfeeding may protect against extremes in childhood body mass index (BMI) and adiposity.
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Further research is needed to explore the differences noted at the upper and lower percentiles of BMI and adiposity.
Context
This study addresses the relationship between breastfeeding in infancy and being overweight or obese in childhood. In some previous studies, it has been found that breastfed infants are less likely to become overweight or obese in later life, while in others, the opposite has been found. Other studies have found no difference in rates of overweight or obesity for breastfed and non-breastfed …
