Breastfeeding, comnlementarv food introduction and overweight in preschool children

Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2016 Sep;66(3):195-200.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Growing phenomenon, which involves high morbidity and consequently high costs for health systems, obesity has been found also among the pediatric population and is currently considered a public health problem. The aim of this study was to verify if in children in the early preschool age we can see the prevalence of overweight and if introducing complementary feeding as well as the type of food introduced, are associated with this condition in this age group. It is an observational analytic study with children born in 2011-2012 that attended public schools in Taubat6 -SP during 2014. In addition to the weight and height of children, information about the history of feeding and birth were collectedusing a standardized questionnaire.The nutritional status was defined as having overweight children with z-scores for body mass index (zIMC) > 1.We conducted bivariate analysis and then linear regression analysis of multiple variables.The prevalence of overweight was elevated (27.5%). Only birth weight showed significant correlation with respect to zIMC (r = 0.22, p < 0.0001). The multivariable analysis showed no relationship with the various foods, but showed birth weightas a high risk factor, the male and the total duration of breastfeeding as protective factors. As a result, we conclude that the early introduction of new foods is not a risk factor for the development of overweight at the beginning of pre-school age.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Male
  • Overweight / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors