Another positive aspect of breast milk has come to the fore according to a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA). Two studies have found that breast milk protects against obesity in childhood and adolescence.
The results of the two studies published in the recent issue of the JAMA suggests that children who have been breast fed as babies have a lesser chance of becoming overweight in their adolescence than those that have not. The study found that 4% girls and 7% boys who were breast fed were overweight as compared to 6% girls and 11% boys who were bottle fed.
There was also a difference in the chances of obesity depending on the period for which the child is breast fed. Children who were breast fed for 7 months were 20% less likely to be overweight than those breast fed for 3 months. The exact reason behind this is still unclear but it is thought that breast milk has a more positive effect on fat metabolism and its storage in the body.
Obese children are likely to grow up into overweight adults who have other related problems like high blood pressure and heart troubles. Mother's milk is already known to reduce the risk of hypertension in later life and also protects the child against infections. Protection against obesity is another feather in the cap for this purest form of baby food.
JAMA Vol. 285, No. 19