Breastfeeding Lowers Chances of Childhood Obesity

Breastfeeding Lowers Chances of Childhood Obesity

May 03, 2019

While it may be widely known that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish babies, the specific benefits of breast milk are still being uncovered. A new study just conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that breastfeeding contributes to a lower rate of childhood obesity by up to 25%!

In the U.S., childhood obesity is prevalent with a whopping 18.4% of 6- to 11-year-olds above the obesity marker. Compare this to Europe (where the WHO study was done) where only 3% of children ages six to nine are obese. There are a number of factors that contribute to such high levels of childhood obesity — lifestyle, exercise level, genetics, metabolism, sleep duration, the list goes on. Now, added to the list is whether a child was breastfed or formula fed.

So what is it about formula-fed babies that makes it easier for them to gain more weight as children? In their study, WHO identified several likely factors for how formula plays a role. Exclusive breastfeeding often delays the introduction of solid foods, which can be higher in energy and lead to an increase in fat cells. Pediatricians recommend babies start solids anywhere from four to six months. If you feed your baby with formula, there’s a higher likelihood you’ll introduce your little one to more than just their milk closer to the four-month mark. As a baby’s diet open up to more foods, the chance of those foods being unhealthy increases, too.

There is also evidence that formula-fed babies have higher insulin levels in their blood, which can stimulate fat deposition. This is largely due to the sugar and corn syrup that are added to baby formulas manufactured in the U.S. (even the organic ones!). Here at the Organic Baby Food Shop, we proudly offer formulas with no added sugars or corn syrup from European brands you can trust: Holle, HiPP, and Lebenswert. If you can’t feed your baby breast milk, formula made by these companies is the next best thing.

Shop Now

WHO recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies until they reach the age of six months. At the 6-month point, they recommend continuing to breastfeed through the weaning process as part of a balanced diet up until the age of two — and beyond.

Who knew there would be such a connection between breastfeeding and childhood obesity? Obesity at any age greatly affects the health of a nation as well as its economy, social care, and education. Reducing obesity is just one of so many benefits of breastfeeding. If you’re able to do breastfeed your little one, go for it! If not, give them the nutrients they need without the added filler using our top-quality formulas. You’ll reduce your baby’s chances of obesity and provide them with a strong start toward healthy development as happy little people.



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Organic Baby Food Shop Blog

How To Prevent Bottle Rot
How To Prevent Bottle Rot

September 20, 2023

Before your little one even grows their first tooth, taking special care of their gums is important for setting them up for healthy tooth development down the line. Through regular cleaning and being aware of common triggers as their teeth come in, it is possible to avoid possible cavities from developing in babies and toddlers. Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, here are three things you should know!

Read More

Tips & Tricks For Formula Feeding On The Go
Tips & Tricks For Formula Feeding On The Go

September 06, 2023

One of the great things about formula feeding is how easy it is to feed your baby wherever you may be! Here we are going to answer some common questions many new parents have as they navigate formula feeding while out and about, and we are going to share tried and true tips so that you can coast right into this new adventure with ease.

Read More

How To Navigate Your Baby’s Milk Protein Allergy
How To Navigate Your Baby’s Milk Protein Allergy

August 23, 2023

Here we are going to identify what exactly a milk protein allergy is, how it may present itself symptom wise, and how to find the formula that best suits your little one’s nutritional needs moving forward.

Read More