Study findings from researchers at the University of Copenhagen suggest that waiting longer to start infants on solid food could make for slimmer adults.
The study, which is published in March 2010 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed over 5000 individuals born between 1959 and 1961 from birth to adulthood.
Researchers found that neither breastfeeding duration, nor the timing of the introduction to solid foods was related significantly to BMI in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
However, researchers found that when study participants reached the age of 42, the risk of being overweight decreased with increasing age at which solid food were introduced. In fact, researchers found that for each month introduction of vegetables was delayed, the risk of being overweight at 42 years of age was reduced by 10 percent.
While more studies are needed to determine the exact relationship between breastfeeding and risk of obesity, and other health conditions later in life these recent findings are encouraging.
For more information on the health benefits of breastfeeding and nutrition tips for the expectant and new Mom, check out Leslie Beck’s Nutrition Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.
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