Breastfeeding and factors associated with the prevention of childhood obesity: An integrative literature review

Ana Caroline Corrêa Pinto, Layla Sandia Cezário Alves, Paula Mikaelly Pinheiro Machado, Juliana Carvalho da Costa, Kaory Brito Ohaze, Roseani da Silva Andrade, Vânia Maria Barboza da Silva, Luísa Margareth Carneiro da Silva

Breastfeeding, Infant, Obesity.

Introduction: In recent years, it has been observed that the prevalence of breastfeeding (BF) is below the standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and childhood obesity rates have shown exponential growth. The correlation between both is the subject of studies, since it is possible to analyze the benefits of BF in the prevention of childhood obesity. The aim of the present study was to identify and describe evidence about the correlation between breastfeeding and protection/prevention against childhood obesity. Method: This is a qualitative research with the application of integrative literature review standards, in order to obtain evidence from various types of studies on the researched topic. A search was carried out for scientific articles available in electronic media, published in the last five years, from April to mid-May 2022. Results: 140 articles were found, of which 10 were selected after analysis, according to research criteria. Conclusion: There is a direct relationship between the practice of breastfeeding and the prevention of overweight, especially when the offer is exclusive up to 6 months. The duration of breastfeeding has an influence on overweight and obesity protection.

Received: 09 Dec 2022, Receive in revised form: 03 Feb 2023, Accepted: 01 May 2023, Available online: 08 May 2023

10.22161/ijaers.105.1