Weight Loss Series: Childhood Obesity Begins With Formula Feeding

Childhood obesity is on the rise. In fact, nearly 30% of adolescents are overweight and approximately 15% are obese.

Childhood obesity is a multifaceted problem that appears to start within the first year of life. Even more troubling is obesity might begin during fetal development. In fact, the heavier the infant at birth increases their risk of becoming obese later in life.

Recently, research has indicated a strong link between formula fed babies becoming obese later in life. In fact, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated 20% of obese adults may be attributed to over feeding during infancy.

So, what is the link between formula feeding and obesity?



Formula is enriched with three main components; Protein, Bifidobacterium lactis, and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). We understand the need for protein. Bifidobacterium lactis is a probiotic that helps with immune function. DHA is a fatty acid that helps with brain and eye development. All three are very important for physiological development!

However, formula does not contain the hormone Leptin. Leptin is a relatively new hormone that was discovered approximately 15 years ago. Leptin  plays a key role in regulating calorie intake and metabolism. This key hormone actually regulates appetite. Therefore, the lack of leptin in infant formula may limit the satiety (i.e., sense of fullness) in infants and lead to over feeding.

Breast milk contains the Leptin hormone. In addition, studies have demonstrated that breastfed infants have higher serum leptin levels than formula fed infants and this relationship is positively correlated with the leptin contents of mom's breast milk. There is increasing epidemiological evidence suggesting that breast-feeding compared with infant formula offers protection against future obesity . Breast fed babies do receive less milk due to supply of the mother but also obtain higher levels of the Leptin hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism.

The Bottom Line!!

I understand not all mothers can breast feed. I have two young boys of my own. My wife was forced to stop breast feeding with our oldest son after the first few weeks due to her taking antibiotics to ward of an infection. She could not regenerate her milk supply even with breast pumping.

If given the opportunity, new mothers should consider breast feeding as the first option. If you can not breast feed, then be mindful of how much formula you are giving your infant. Keep a record of total ounces provided each day and discuss with your pediatrician.

Breast feeding, alone, will not cure childhood obesity but could be a major factor needed to slow and reverse our U.S. obesity rate and excessive healthcare cost!

Thank you for reading and I welcome your thoughts and opinions.

Best, Dr. Scott