Breastfeeding and insulin resistance in obese children after one-year nutritional intervention

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the type of early feeding and indices of insulin metabolism in obese children after an one-year nutritional intervention. Methods: Seventy-two obese children, aged 6-14 years, underwent anthropometric and metabolic measurements at baseline and after an one-year nutritional intervention, based on normocaloric balanced diet and physical activity. Obesity was defined in accordance with the International Obesity Task Force. Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores were calculated. Fasting blood samples were evaluated for insulin, glucose and lipid profile. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostatic model assessment method (HOMA-IR). Duration of full (exclusive/predominant) breastfeeding was categorized at the cut-point of 4 months. Results: out of 72 obese children 16 (22%) were full breastfed whereas 24 (33%) were not-breastfed. At the end of the intervention children showed decreased BMI z-score (median 0,27; IQR, 0,06-0,48; p < 0,0001) HOMA (0,81; 0,44-2,28; p < 0,0001), total cholesterol (median 9,00; IQR, 6,25-17,00; p = 0,016) triglycerides (24,00; 4,00-42,25; p < 0,0001). At the end of treatment decrease in HOMA was associated with duration of full breastfeeding (p = 0,039). Conclusions: Duration of breastfeeding seems to be associated with decreased insulin resistance in obese children after an one-year nutritional intervention.