Starting solid foods early linked to obesity risk

MSNBC, February 7th, 2011
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41432714/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Feeding babies solid foods too early may increase their risk for childhood obesity, a new research study from the Children's Hospital Boston reports. The article highlights that giving formula-fed infants solid foods before four months has major consequences. The study, which looked at more than 840 children, found that infants who had been fed baby food before they were four months old had a significant increase in obesity by the time they were three years old. Surprisingly, infants who were breastfed saw no increase in obesity related to how soon they began solids. Still, researchers say parents should wait the recommended four to six months before starting any infant on solid foods.

The link between obesity and introduction of solid foods among formula-fed babies can be explained by the fact that solids may increase infant energy intake. The findings of this study are significant for parents who are wondering when they should begin solid foods with their baby. There is clearly some association between early food introduction and later obesity during the toddler years. Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and a critical public health challenge. This article emphasizes that the problem is not limited to school-aged children and adolescents. In fact, the prevalence of overweight American infants and toddlers has surged by 60 percent in the past thirty years. It also provides sound evidence for current guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively (no formula, water, juice, or solid foods) for at least four months, but preferably six months. The AAP also states that solid foods should be introduced between 4 and 6 months of age, just as the researchers suggest. The research also indicates that the first few months after birth may be a critical period in the fight against childhood obesity because feeding habits during early infancy can be readily controlled. In this way, the article provides crucial evidence in order to mitigate the prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide.