When a woman is pregnant, the first question out of everyone’s lips is, “Are you going to breastfeed?” On the other hand, breastfeeding moms who stay in the game more than six months are subjected to questions like, “You’re still breastfeeding? When are you going to stop?”
A recent study conducted at University of Bristol find that bottle-feeding babies could become overweight or obese in their later life. The study conclusions, published in the US journal Paediatrics, show that little children eating formula milk rather than breast milk get more calories and are prone to gain weight.
During the study period, the research group examined and compared feeding habits of 880 babies four mounts ages. One of conclusion was that those babies who were weaned on to solid food after 2-4 months of life, were heavier than expected by the age of five. This situation results in an increased risk of obesity as they become youngs and adults.
Breast milk has incredible health benefits, with nutrients no formula can duplicate. It seems that formula-fed infants are less able to adjust their energy intake than breast-fed infants. Or this situation could be because of parents habit to stop feeding their babies with formula milk when the bottle is empty.
Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues such as causes of obesity in children