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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
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ISSN: 1606-0997 EISSN: 1606-0997
Vol. 30, No. 3, 2012, pp. 303-310
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Bioline Code: hn12036
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, Vol. 30, No. 3, 2012, pp. 303-310
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Relationship between Breastfeeding and Obesity in Childhood
Vafa, Mohammadreza; Moslehi, Nazanin; Afshari, Shirin; Hossini, Aghafatemeh & Eshraghian, Mohammadreza
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the weight status and the relationship of infant-feeding
variables, birthweight and birth order with BMI in a group of Iranian children. Five hundred and eleven
students of both sexes at the first grade in elementary schools (aged 7 years) were recruited randomly from
all 19 educational districts of Tehran. Weights and heights of children and their mothers were measured.
Data on breastfeeding (BF), formula-feeding, the timing of introduction of complementary foods (CF),
birthweight, and birth order were collected from the mothers. The 2007 WHO reference value was used
for determining child's weight status. Regression analysis in single and a 2-level linear regression models
was used for examining the independent relationships of infant-feeding variables , birthweight and birth
order with childhood BMI. The prevalence of underweight and overweight in this group of children was
7.6% and 19.7%, respectively. Total time of BF and duration of exclusive BF were not associated with childhood
BMI. The timing of introduction of CF was inversely related to childhood BMI after controlling for
other variables (β:-0.34; 95% CI:-0.58,-0.10). Children with an early introduction of CF had significantly
higher mean BMI (p for linear trend=0.012). Birth order and birthweight were related to childhood BMI
significantly. These data suggest that overweight and obesity are nutritional problems among 7 years old
Teharani children. The timing of introduction of CF, birth order, and birthweight were independent predictors
of childhood BMI. Neither total time of BF nor duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with
adiposity in children.
Keywords
Birthweight; Breastfeeding; Childhood; Infant-feeding; Introduction of complementary feeding;Obesity; Iran
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