OBJECTIVE: To examine whether lack or inadequate breastfeeding is an important contributing factor to child obesity. METHODS: A convenience sample of 90 children, aged two to five from a day care center in Fortaleza, Brazil, participated in this study. RESULTS: The study's finding revealed the following: The majority of the children (57.7%) were well nourished. The remainder of the children were overweight (14.4%), obese (13.3%, underweight (11.1%), and undernourished (3.3%). A further evaluation of the data of overweight and obese children revealed that: 60% had not been breastfed or were breastfed for a period inferior to six months; and, their family had minimum wage income. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that breastfeeding is a very important factor to consider when addressing child obesity preventive interventions.
Milk, human; Breast feeding; Obesity; Risk; Child
