Breastfeeding mothers ‘less likely to be obese’

Childbirth and breastfeeding have significant, but opposite, effects on long-term weight, according to a study of 740,000 post-menopausal women.

Scientists found that the more children a woman had, the heavier she was likely to be in later life.

But average body mass index (BMI) was lower in women who breastfed, irrespective of how many times they had given birth.

BMI is a standard measurement relating weight and height. A BMI of 30 marks the point at which an overweight person becomes obese.

Every six months of breastfeeding reduced a woman’s long-term BMI by 1 per cent, the research showed. This was after taking account of factors known to influence obesity risk such as smoking, exercise and social deprivation.

Fat risk lessened

The findings are reported in the International Journal of Obesity.

Professor Dame Valerie Beral, director of the cancer epidemiology unit at Oxford University, a member of the study team, said: “Our research suggests that just six months of breastfeeding by UK women could reduce their risk of obesity in later life. A one per cent reduction in BMI may seem small, but spread across the population of the UK that could mean about 10,000 fewer premature deaths per decade from obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.”

Lead author Dr Kirsty Bobrow, also from Oxford University, said: “We already know breastfeeding is best for babies, and this study adds to a growing body of evidence that the benefits extend to the mother as well – even 30 years after she’s given birth. Pregnant women should be made aware of these benefits to help them make an informed choice about infant feeding.”

The research formed part of the Million Women Study, a major investigation into reproductive and lifestyle factors affecting women’s health.

Participants had an average age of 57.5 and BMI of 26.2, which is classified as “overweight”.

Reduced cancer risk

Most of the women had given birth to at least one child and of these, 70 per cent had breastfed for an average 7.7 months.

Previous research had shown that breastfeeding can help women lose the weight they put on during pregnancy in the months immediately after birth. However, the long-term impact of breastfeeding was unclear.

The study was funded by the charity Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council.

Sara Hiom, from Cancer Research UK, said: “We already know that breastfeeding can reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. And this study highlights that breastfeeding may also be linked to weight. Weight in turn influences the likelihood of developing some cancers as well as other diseases.

“Too few people know about the significant cancer risks associated with being very overweight.”