Publisher

UIBUIB

Journal Journal of Nutrition Research in Sustainable HealthJournal of Nutrition Research in Sustainable Health Abstract

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern, affecting nearly 18% of children and adolescents worldwide. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been proposed as an effective strategy to promote optimal growth and prevent obesity in later life. However, evidence remains inconsistent due to methodological and contextual variations. This narrative review aims to synthesize recent evidence on the relationship between EBF and childhood obesity, including biological mechanisms and maternal factors influencing this association. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for English-language articles published between 2020 and 2025 using the keywords “exclusive breastfeeding, “obesity, “overweight, and “BMI. Original human studies with cross-sectional, cohort, case–control, or interventional designs were included, while non-English, animal, and non-obesity-related studies were excluded. Seven eligible studies were analyzed narratively. Results: Most studies demonstrated that EBF was associated with a 24–44% reduction in obesity risk, with stronger protection observed for breastfeeding durations longer than six months. Biological mechanisms include better appetite regulation, lower protein intake, improved insulin and IGF-1 balance, and healthier gut microbiota. Rapid weight gain during infancy partially mediated this association. Maternal obesity, inflammation, and gestational diabetes were identified as key modifiers of EBF duration and protective effects. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding provides measurable protection against obesity through nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic pathways. Promoting EBF for the first six months of life should remain a global public health priority, supported by strategies that enhance maternal health, breastfeeding education, and equitable lactation support.

Conclusion

Exclusive breastfeeding provides measurable protection against obesity through nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic pathways.Promoting EBF for the first six months of life should remain a global public health priority.This should be supported by strategies that enhance maternal health, breastfeeding education, and equitable lactation support.

Future Research

Penelitian lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan untuk menginvestigasi mekanisme epigenetik yang mendasari hubungan antara ASI eksklusif dan risiko obesitas, dengan fokus pada perubahan ekspresi gen pada bayi yang diberi ASI dibandingkan dengan yang diberi susu formula. Selain itu, studi intervensi yang dirancang dengan baik diperlukan untuk mengevaluasi efektivitas program dukungan menyusui yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan ibu dari berbagai latar belakang sosial ekonomi, guna meningkatkan durasi dan eksklusivitas ASI. Terakhir, penelitian prospektif jangka panjang harus dilakukan untuk melacak dampak ASI eksklusif terhadap perkembangan metabolik anak, termasuk penanda inflamasi, komposisi mikrobiota usus, dan risiko penyakit kronis di kemudian hari, sehingga memberikan bukti yang lebih kuat untuk pedoman kesehatan masyarakat.

Metadata

File size	359.77 KB
Pages	14
DMCA	Report