Adherence
Breastfeeding has a probable protective effect against childhood obesity, with a dose-response relationship observed in some studies.
Breastfeeding is recommended for its probable protective effect against childhood obesity. The benefit appears to increase with the duration of breastfeeding. Public health efforts should support breastfeeding, but recognize that other factors (like maternal BMI) also play a role.
The current evidence was judged to show a probable protective effect of breastfeeding against childhood obesity.
Why this rating
Rated 'probable' based on mixed epidemiological studies, with some showing significant reduction and others no difference, and potential confounding by maternal BMI.
Source
Diet, nutrition and the prevention of excess weight gain and obesity
Swinburn Ba et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2004
DOI 10.1079/phn2003585
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