Breastfeeding and Childhood Obesity in Sweden
Author Information
Author(s): Huus Karina, Ludvigsson Jonas F, Enskär Karin, Ludvigsson Johnny
Primary Institution: Linköping University, Sweden
Hypothesis
Does exclusive breastfeeding influence the development of obesity in children?
Conclusion
Exclusive breastfeeding does not seem to protect against obesity at five years of age.
Supporting Evidence
- 12.9% of children were overweight and 4.3% were obese at five years of age.
- 78.4% of children were exclusively breastfed at three months.
- High maternal BMI and smoking were associated with shorter breastfeeding duration.
- Short-term exclusive breastfeeding was linked to obesity in simple regression but not in multivariate analysis.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether breastfeeding helps prevent kids from becoming overweight. It found that while many kids are breastfed, it doesn't really stop them from getting fat later on.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from a prospective cohort study involving parents of children born in Southeast Sweden, using questionnaires to gather information on breastfeeding and obesity.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of selection bias due to differences in demographics between participants who completed the study and those who did not.
Limitations
The study had a dropout rate, which may have introduced selection bias, as mothers who completed the five-year follow-up were generally older and more educated.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included parents of children born between 1997 and 1999 in Southeast Sweden, with a response rate of 74% at birth.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
1.00–2.07
Statistical Significance
p=0.050
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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