The relationship between nutritional methods and obesity in infants

Complementary foods should be started at the average of 6 months, they should be sufficient to meet the energy, protein and other nutrients that increase with the growth of the child, and they should be presented in accordance with the preferences of the caregiver and the child, taking into account the child's hunger, satiety and appetite. Irresponsible feeding behavior in the first two years of life leads to important problems such as obesity, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, food refusal in the future. It is intented to achieve healthy infant feeding with active baby involvement and sensible feeding via baby-led weaning (BLW) method, which has gained popularity lately. In our study, it is questioned whether the methods which are preferred while transitioning to complementary feeding are related to obesity or not. 400 children aged between 4 to 24 months old whom applied to our hospital were included in our study. Antropometric measurements of children were recorded. They were divided to three groups according to feeding methods which are traditional, infant-led and those who applied both methods. The relation of feeding method to obesity is evaluated by considering the surveys and anamnesis conducted. This survey which is consisted of three parts, included the socio-demographic characteristics of parents, attributes belonged to the infant and a questionnaire regarding baby-led feeding. According to research findings, it is determined that the infants average age was 14,79±4,34 months. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was found 4,92±2,08 months and total duration of breastfeeding was found as 10,74±5,34 months. The most preferred food for starter is found to be vegetable puree (42,2%). Participants' previous awareness of BLW was found as 83,5%. When looked at the distribution of the feeding method preferences, it is discovered that the 12% of the families used baby-led weaning, 57,5% of them followed both methods and a 30,5% of them used the traditional method. There are no statistically significant relationship between the delivery methods of complementery food and type of birth, last weight percentile, last head circumference percentile or last BMI percentile (p>0,05). A statistically significant relationship is discovered between the complementary feeding method and last height percentile (χ2=14,026; p=0,029). These results strengthen the idea of feeding techniques at infancy taking part in obesity pathogenesis. There aren't enough scientific evidence regarding BLW which is spreading through social media. Many more and extensive studies need to be conducted about this subject in order to be able to improve and present this feeding method as a viable suggestion.