New research from The Kids Research Institute Australia has shown that stopping breastfeeding and introducing formula milk before babies reach six months of age is linked to an increased risk of being overweight or obese in adulthood.
The study, published in the international journal Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, confirms that breastfeeding for at least six months and late introduction of formula milk help protect against increased overweight and obesity into childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
The study used data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study to examine associations between breastfeeding and measures of overweight and obesity from one year of age to 20 years of age.
Lead author Professor Wendy Oddy said the results build on previous research in the Raine Study that showed a link between reduced breastfeeding and being overweight or obese in infancy, childhood and the teenage years.
"This new study has shown that, in terms of feeding patterns, the time period of greatest risk for obesity persisting through childhood and into adulthood was prior to six months of age," Professor Oddy said.
"This finding supports the National Health and Medical Research Council recommendation of continued exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months and beyond."
In the Raine Study, by the time their baby was six months of age, 39% of mothers had stopped breastfeeding and 55% had introduced a milk other than breast milk.
The most important differences between breast milk and formula appeared to be related to the lower protein content and the presence of hormones, growth factors and bioactive factors in breast milk.
"We know that overweight babies are more likely to become overweight children, adolescents and adults," said Professor Oddy. "So the first few months of life are a particularly important time for the risk of the development of obesity which may potentially be addressed through the promotion of breastfeeding," Professor Oddy said.
In the NHMRC Australian Dietary Guidelines, Guideline 4 states: Encourage, Support and Promote Breastfeeding. It is recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed until around 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced. Breastfeeding should be continued while solid foods are introduced until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.
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