# Is there a connection between breastfeeding and childhood obesity? - Savonia AMK

> Breastfeeding has been found to have many physiological and psychological benefits.

## Overview
Obesity is a global health challenge with multiple negative effects, including shortened life expectancy. It affects all social classes, sexes, and ages, influenced by both heredity and environmental factors. Early intervention is critical for prevention. Governments and healthcare providers are encouraged to support breastfeeding to ensure optimal child nutrition and mitigate the risk of childhood obesity.

## Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers significant physiological and psychological advantages, improving the quality of life for both mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first two years of a child's life. 

Beyond basic nutrition, breast milk delivers growth factors and hormones that regulate the development of the intestines, nervous system, and circulatory system. It also provides immunological defense, including immunoglobulins and cytokines, which protect the child from infections and inflammation while promoting the development of the child's own immune system.

## Research Methodology
A descriptive literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood obesity. Data was sourced from the CINAHL Ultimate, MEDIC, and PubMed databases. A data-driven thematic content analysis was utilized to summarize the findings without losing the value of the original research material.

## Findings on Breastfeeding and Obesity
Research suggests that breastfeeding and childhood obesity are associated, with evidence indicating that breastfeeding helps prevent obesity. Potential mechanisms for this connection include:
* Gut bacteria development
* Improved self-regulation
* Later introduction to solid foods

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months has been shown to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity later in life. The study concludes that healthcare professionals should prioritize the promotion of breastfeeding and provide better training and support for parents. Further high-quality research is recommended to determine if this association is absolute or influenced by other underlying factors.

## Authors
* Kami Kallio, Master’s program in Global Public Health, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
* Maria Luojus, Principal lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

## References
* Bellù R, & Condò M. 2017. Breastfeeding promotion: evidence and problems. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28673077/
* Deal, B.J, Huffman, M.D, Binns, H, Stone, N.J. 2020. Perspective: Childhood Obesity Requires New Strategies for Prevention, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 11, Issue 5. Pages 1071-1078. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa040. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322000436.
* Hakulinen T, Otronen K, Kuronen M. (toim.), 2017. Kansallinen imetyksen edistämisen toimintaohjelma vuosille 2018-2022. Suomen Yliopistopaino Oy. Pages 20- 25, 81.
* Murray, D, 2022. How Breastfeeding Helps Prevent Obesity. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/prevent-obesity-in-the-breastfed-baby-431733
* Pietiläinen K, Mustajoki P, and Borg P. 2015. Lihavuus. Duodecim. 1.painos. Pages 8-9.
* UNICEF, 2020. City of Amsterdam, EAT, The Amsterdam Healthy Weight Approach: Investing in healthy urban childhoods: A case study on healthy diets for children. The Amsterdam Healthy Weight Programme. https://www.unicef.org/media/89401/file/Amsterdam-Healthy-Weight-Approach-Investing-healthy-urban-childhoods.pdf
* Uwaezuoke, S.N., Eneh, C.I. & Ndu, I. K, 2017. Relationship Between Exclusive Breastfeeding and Lower Risk of Childhood Obesity: A Narrative Review of Published Evidence. Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics 1–7. https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.savonia.fi/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=f3b20e99-27d1-47b2-983d-474dbe62e10a%40redis
* Young, L, McGuire, W, 2020. Immunologic Properties of Human Milk and Clinical Implications in the Neonatal Population. https://publications.aap.org/neoreviews/article-abstract/21/12/e809/92148/Immunologic-Properties-of-Human-Milk-and-Clinical?redirectedFrom=fulltext