EVIDENCE OF BREASTFEEDING AS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR AGAINST OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT

Abstract

Obesity and overweight represent a significant public health issue today, as they lead to worse clinical outcomes and a higher incidence of comorbidities. The prevalence of these conditions has been increasing, and the pediatric population is also being affected by excess weight. In this context, it is important to evaluate factors that can act as protectors against obesity, with a focus in this work on breastfeeding. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of breastfeeding in reducing the risk of overweight and obesity, showing that breast milk has various adequate nutritional characteristics and can stimulate healthy lifestyle habits, resulting in statistically significant benefits in reducing this condition. Therefore, it is important to globally promote breastfeeding, as well as to guide and educate mothers about the numerous benefits of this practice, in order to promote health, quality of life, healthy habits, adequate nutrition for babies, and a reduction in the risk of overweight/obesity. This will improve the public health outlook, reduce the population levels of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and prevent the consequences of these pathologies.