The effects of duration of any breastfeeding on body mass index in Australian children: Exploration of health, economic and equity impacts

SummaryBackgroundBreastfeeding is a protective measure against childhood overweight and obesity. However, many children are not breastfed the recommended duration, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to cease breastfeeding early.ObjectivesInvestigate the association between duration of any breastfeeding and body mass index (BMI) and estimate the health, economic and equity impacts of increasing breastfeeding duration to at least 6 months.MethodsWe modelled the association between any breastfeeding duration and BMI at age 6/7 years, using a nationally representative cohort of 3935 Australian children (survey weighted to 221 103 children). We then used a simulation model to predict the impact of increasing breastfeeding duration to at least 6 months in all children on prevalence of overweight (including obesity) and associated healthcare costs to age 16/17 years.ResultsAchieving breastfeeding duration of at least 6 months could prevent 2933 cases of overweight at age 16/17 years, translating to healthcare cost‐savings of AUD $4.29 million. Although most cases (68%) would come from low socio‐economic backgrounds this would make only a minor difference in reducing inequalities.ConclusionEfforts to support increased breastfeeding duration could result in reduced prevalence of overweight and obesity and save healthcare costs, however, additional action would be required to improve equity.