A new study released by the journal Pediatrics finds formula fed infants introduced to solid foods before 4 months old have an increased likelihood of becoming obese. A correlation between breast fed babies and early introduction to solids was not found.
Study finds introduction of solid foods is significant
The objective of the study was to determine if the introduction of solid foods could be linked to obesity by age 3. 847 children participated in the study. 67% of the children were breastfed and 32% were formula fed. Though the introduction of solid foods to breastfed babies was not linked to obesity, the link was established for formula fed babies. Specifically, the formula fed children introduced to solid foods before 4 months old were six times more likely to become obese.
Breastfeeding in the US
In an effort to reap the health benefits of breastfeeding, the US government has made a significant effort to increase the numbers of women who breastfeed their infants. According to the CDC, 75% of new mothers now breastfeed their infants at birth, but the number quickly declines by the time a child reaches 3 months old. Only 33% of women exclusively breastfeed their children at this age. 14% of women are exculsively breastfeeding by the time their children become 6 months old.
New Jersey's breastfeeding rates
In the CDC's Breastfeeding report card, released in 2009, 81% of women in New Jersey breastfed their newborn infants. 30% were exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months and 13% were doing so at 6 months.
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