Unexpected relationship between breastfeeding and obesity
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Breastfeeding children are less likely to be obese than those who eat milk powder, especially if breastfeeding continues for at least six months, according to a recent study by the World Health Organization.
"Children who have never breastfed are 22 per cent more likely to be obese than children who have been breastfed for at least six months," the study said, following a follow-up sample of about 30,000 children between the ages of 6 and 9 in 16 European countries.
The study was published at the European Congress on Obesity, which runs until Wednesday in Glasgow.
The findings should urge health authorities to "promote breastfeeding" as part of their obesity prevention policies, better training for health professionals, stricter marketing controls for milk manufacturers and more protective legislation for breast-feeding mothers, the authors said.
In another study published at the conference, the WHO noted that many European countries are struggling to reduce the level of obesity in children despite current prevention policies.
The organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months and "six months to two years or more" to be supplemented by another diet.
"Children who have never breastfed are 22 per cent more likely to be obese than children who have been breastfed for at least six months," the study said, following a follow-up sample of about 30,000 children between the ages of 6 and 9 in 16 European countries.
The study was published at the European Congress on Obesity, which runs until Wednesday in Glasgow.
The findings should urge health authorities to "promote breastfeeding" as part of their obesity prevention policies, better training for health professionals, stricter marketing controls for milk manufacturers and more protective legislation for breast-feeding mothers, the authors said.
In another study published at the conference, the WHO noted that many European countries are struggling to reduce the level of obesity in children despite current prevention policies.
The organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months and "six months to two years or more" to be supplemented by another diet.
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