EC Paediatrics

Introduction: Breastfeeding has a protective effect against the development of obesity across the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood. Specifically, children who are breastfed for up to six months have a lower risk of developing excess body weight compared to those who are exclusively formula-fed from birth.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different feeding types (breastfeeding versus formula feeding) on the physical development of children during the first three years of life, with a particular focus on weight and height trajectories.

Materials and Methods: The study assessed weight and height dynamics in 75 children at various developmental stages: from birth to 12 months, and during the second and third years of life, using monthly measurement records. Statistical comparisons between the breastfed and formula-fed groups were performed for body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Analysis of physical development over the first three years of life revealed no statistically significant differences in body weight or BMI during the first 12 months. However, at ages 2 and 3 years, significant differences in BMI were observed between the groups. At 2 years, the mean BMI in the breastfed group was 16.96 ± 0.47, compared to 19.26 ± 0.37 in the formula-fed group (p < 0.05). A similar trend persisted at 3 years: 16.96 ± 1.45 in breastfed children versus 18.57 ± 0.69 in formula-fed children (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Early nutrition type influences later energy metabolism, appetite regulation, and susceptibility to overweight and obesity. Breastfeeding, in particular, may support the development of self-regulatory mechanisms in food intake and contribute to obesity prevention.

 Keywords: Infant; Breastfeeding; Obesity; Body Mass Index

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