Fight Obesity Early

It has long been known in the medical community that breast-fed infants are less likely to be overweight, some studies reporting a 15-20% decrease in childhood obesity is possible simply from switching infants from formula to breast milk. However, a new study shows that in addition to the extra risk formula-fed babies are subject to, those that make the switch too early from formula to solid foods, before four months, may be at an even higher risk for early childhood obesity.  Infants who were switched early from breast milk to solid foods, however, showed no increase risk.

In the study, 847 infants were monitored, and those who were switched from formula to solid foods before four months were six times more likely to be obese by the age of 3. Experts note that the study has limitations but is a good indicator in possible reasons behind the uprising trend in childhood obesity rates.

To read more about this study, click here.