Breastfeeding Linked to Reduced Long-Term Weight Gain, Study Finds
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oslo indicates that women who breastfeed for at least three months may experience reduced weight gain later in life. The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, provides compelling insights into the lasting effects of breastfeeding on maternal health.
Participants gained an average of up to 6.5 kilograms less over time if they breastfed for the specified duration.
The study utilized data from the Women and Health Study, which includes over 170,000 women in Norway. Unlike previous studies that often focused on immediate post-natal weight changes, this research examined weight development up to 50 years after women ceased breastfeeding.
Key Findings
The study revealed varying degrees of impact based on a woman's weight prior to pregnancy:
- The most significant difference was observed among women who were overweight or obese as young adults prior to pregnancy. In this group, those who breastfed for three to 15 months gained up to 6.5 kilograms less from young adulthood to middle age, compared to those who breastfed minimally.
- For women who had a normal weight as young adults, the difference was up to 3 kilograms if they breastfed for three to 15 months.
- Underweight women showed little difference in later weight gain related to breastfeeding.
Thorbjørn Brun Skammelsrud, a PhD candidate at the University of Oslo, explained that breastfeeding increases energy expenditure, which can contribute to weight loss. He also noted that some women might experience increased appetite during breastfeeding. The study further indicated that the association between breastfeeding and lower weight was clearest among women who had children after 1980, a group considered more representative of contemporary breastfeeding patterns and diets.
Public Health Implications
Norwegian guidelines generally recommend partial breastfeeding for one year or more if both mother and baby are comfortable. Researchers suggest that longer breastfeeding durations, as observed in Norway compared to many other countries, contribute positively to public health.
The study also highlights a potential need for additional support for mothers after childbirth, particularly those who were overweight or obese.
Researchers emphasized the importance of facilitating breastfeeding and offering qualified support to women who wish to breastfeed, citing its positive long-term effect on women's weight.