The Childhood Obesity Epidemic: More Data but Few Answers

It's not surprising that obesity is linked with what we feed our children, but recent evidence also links the risk for obesity with infant feeding and weaning practices. One study showed that introducing solid foods before age 4 months significantly increases the risk for obesity at age 3 years in formula-fed — but not breast-fed — infants (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 2 2011). In another study, the risk for obesity was 30% higher in 2-year-olds who still used a bottle compared with those who did not (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Oct 5 2011). As summarized by one of our editors, “The inconsistent and vacillating recommendations regarding the timing of solid food introduction reflect both the weak evidence and the fact that the ideal recommendation …