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

Abstract

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.