https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0828-2674
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Abstract
Childhood obesity is a major public health problem with no effective intervention. We explored the influence of feeding patterns on infants’ growth indices within the first 2 years in a twin birth cohort. Dietary intake at 12 months was recorded with a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Milk feeding methods in first 6 months were categorised as breastfeeding or exclusive formula feeding. Correlations between feeding patterns and infants’ growth indices were examined via generalised estimating equations. Two dietary patterns were identified and neither of which was related to growth indices. Breastfed infants had a higher body fat mass (BFM) percentage at 12 months, a higher body mass index (BMI) increment from birth to 6 months and a lower BMI increment from 6 to 12 months. Breastfed infants were likely positively correlated with BFM at 12 months; as complementary food was added, the effect of breastfeeding on growth gradually decreased.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the participants, health professionals and researchers who contributed to this cohort study.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Parents provided informed written consent prior to enrolment, and ethical approval was provided by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (201530).
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).