A recent study highlights the importance of adequate breastfeeding and the avoidance of sugary beverages in reducing the risk of obesity in preadolescents exposed to gestational diabetes (GDM). Published online on March 12 in Obesity, the study sheds light on the potential long-term benefits of these early-life interventions.
The research, led by Baiyang Sun, Ph.D., from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, investigated how fetal exposure to GDM severity, infant breastfeeding practices, and sugary beverage intake influenced the likelihood of overweight and obesity in children aged 6 to 11 years. The study involved 850 mother-infant pairs who were exposed to GDM.
Findings revealed that among preadolescents, 17.6% were overweight, 18.2% had moderate obesity, and 7.6% had severe obesity. The analysis indicated that compared to adequate breastfeeding with no intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and 100% fruit juice (FJ), the risk of obesity was significantly higher for children with inadequate breastfeeding and sugary beverage consumption (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.55). A similar risk increase was observed for those with adequate breastfeeding but sugary beverage intake (aRR, 1.50). In particular, the risk of severe obesity was more than three times higher for those with inadequate breastfeeding and sugary beverage intake (aRR, 3.80) compared to those with adequate breastfeeding and no sugary drinks.
The authors emphasize that “breastfeeding adequacy and the avoidance of sugary beverages are modifiable lifestyle behaviors that may help mitigate the risk of preadolescent obesity in children exposed to GDM.” They suggest that these early interventions could offer significant benefits for the child’s cardiometabolic health in the long run.
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