The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting to introduce solid foods until infants are between 4 and 6 months old. A new study in the March issue of Pediatrics found that among formula-fed infants, introduction of solid foods before age 4 months was related to a higher risk of obesity. The study, "Timing of Solid Food Introduction and Risk of Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children," published online February 7, compared obesity rates among 847 children at age 3.
Among children who were breastfed for at least four months, the timing of solid-food introduction did not affect the odds of becoming obese at age 3. Among children who were never breastfed or who stopped breastfeeding before the age of 4 months, the introduction of solid foods before the age of 4 months was linked to a six-fold increase in the odds of obesity at age 3 years. Researchers found this increased risk was not explained by rapid early growth. Researchers suggest greater adherence to guidelines regarding the timing of solid food introduction may reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
All opinions are moderated before being added.
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
No comments:
Post a Comment