Breastfeeding not likely to reduce body weight later in life

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Monday, December 12, 2005 8:31 am Email this article
Some studies have suggested that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of obesity later in life. However, a new review paper published in the American Journal of Nutrition says this is not the case. Breastfeeding not likely to reduce body weight

“Promotion of breastfeeding, although important for other reasons, is not likely to reduce [average body mass index] BMI,” the paper concludes.

Difference only equal to 0.2-0.3 pounds

The difference in BMI between adults who were breastfeed versus those who were formula-fed was only 0.04 units, which is the equivalent of only 0.2 to 0.3 pounds for adult men and women.

REFERENCE

Owen C, Martin R, Whincup P, Davey-Smith G, Gillman M, Cook D. The effect of breastfeeding on mean body mass index throughout life: a quantitative review of published and unpublished observational evidence. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Dec, 82(6):1298-307.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

C. G. Owen
Department of Community Health Sciences
St George’s Hospital Medical School
Cranmer Terrace
London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
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