Solid food introduction in infants and later obesity

January 01, 0001

Solid food introduction in infants and later obesity

Infant feedings and when to introduce solid foods can be a source of consternation to new parents. These US researchers performed a prospective cohort study (n=847) looking at obesity at 3 years of age and comparing to the timing of introduction of solid foods. They ran separate regression models for breastfed and formula-fed infants.

The researchers found: "In the first 4 months of life, 568 infants (67%) were breastfed and 279 (32%) were formula-fed. At age 3 years, 75 children (9%) were obese. Among breastfed infants, the timing of solid food introduction was not associated with odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.1). Among formula-fed infants, introduction of solid foods before 4 months was associated with a sixfold increase in odds of obesity at age 3 years. The association was not explained by rapid early growth (odds ratio after adjustment: 6.3)."

The researchers concluded: "Among formula-fed infants or infants weaned before the age of 4 months, introduction of solid foods before the age of 4 months was associated with increased odds of obesity at age 3 years."

Introduction of solid foods before 6 months of age is associated with increased obesity risk at preschool age in formula-fed, but not breastfed, infants

For the full abstract, click here.

Pediatrics 127(23):e544-e551, March 2011 © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics
Timing of Solid Food Introduction and Risk of Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children. Susanna Y. Huh, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, Elsie M. Taveras, Emily Oken, Matthew W. Gillman.

Category: T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: infant feeding, solid food, obesity, breastfed, formula, cohort study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 25 March 2011

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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