Obesity and attendant co-morbidities are an emergent problem in public health. Much attention has focused on prevention, especially during the perinatal period. Breastfeeding is considered a possible protective factor for obesity in childhood, influencing gene-neuroendocrine-environment-lifestyle interaction. Therefore, breastfeeding and its longer duration are probably associated with lower development of childhood obesity. Through human milk, but not formula, the child assumes greater bioactive factors contributing to immunological, endocrine, development, neural and psychological benefits. Contrarily, other studies did not confirm a critical role of breast milk. Confounding factors, especially maternal pre-pregnancy overweight, may influence breastfeeding effects. This review summarises what is known about the possible relationship between breastfeeding and prevention of obesity development. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding appears to represent a protective factor for obesity in childhood, although evidence is still controversial and underlying mechanisms unclear. Further research is needed to improve knowledge on overweight/obesity and breastfeeding

Obesity and breastfeeding: The strength of association

MARSEGLIA, LUCIA MARINA
Primo
;
Manti, Sara;D'ANGELO, GABRIELLA;CUPPARI, caterina;GITTO, Eloisa;SALPIETRO DAMIANO, Carmelo;ARRIGO, Teresa
Ultimo
2015-01-01

Abstract

Obesity and attendant co-morbidities are an emergent problem in public health. Much attention has focused on prevention, especially during the perinatal period. Breastfeeding is considered a possible protective factor for obesity in childhood, influencing gene-neuroendocrine-environment-lifestyle interaction. Therefore, breastfeeding and its longer duration are probably associated with lower development of childhood obesity. Through human milk, but not formula, the child assumes greater bioactive factors contributing to immunological, endocrine, development, neural and psychological benefits. Contrarily, other studies did not confirm a critical role of breast milk. Confounding factors, especially maternal pre-pregnancy overweight, may influence breastfeeding effects. This review summarises what is known about the possible relationship between breastfeeding and prevention of obesity development. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding appears to represent a protective factor for obesity in childhood, although evidence is still controversial and underlying mechanisms unclear. Further research is needed to improve knowledge on overweight/obesity and breastfeeding
2015
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11570/3092276
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