by Amy Spangler
October 19, 2007

According to the July 2007 Research to Practice Series published by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight kids.

“…Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced odds of pediatric overweight; it also appears to have an inverse dose-response association with overweight (longer duration, less chance of overweight). While more research is needed, exclusive breastfeeding appears to have a stronger effect than combined breast and formula feeding, and the inverse association between breastfeeding and overweight appears to remain with increasing age of the child. The three meta-analyses reported in these review articles suggest a 15 percent to 30 percent reduction in odds of overweight from breastfeeding.”

As for why breastfed kids are less likely to become overweight, the jury is still out. According to the NCCDPHP report, there are several possible explanations, but no conclusive evidence. One possible explanation is that the findings are not true but the result of confounding. In other words, mothers who breastfeed choose a healthier lifestyle and the healthier lifestyle explains the reduced risk for overweight. Other possible explanations are biological mechanisms related to self-regulation of energy intake, insulin concentration and response, and leptin concentration.

The take home message: encourage and promote breastfeeding—kids have nothing to lose and lots to gain (no pun intended).