Obese Mothers Have a Lower Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding<6 Mo as Compared to Non-Obese Mothers: Data From the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding <6 mo (EBF<6m) by level of obesity in Mexican women who participated in the 2012 National Nutrition Survey. Methods: A representative sample of 477 postpartum women 12-49 y and their <6 mo infants were studied. EBF<6m information obtained by status quo method; EBF<6mo indicator was constructed as recommended by the WHO-2008. Maternal weight and height were measured wearing light clothing - no shoes. Maternal BMI (kg/m2) categorized in non-obese, obese-1 or obese-2+ (BMI<30, 30-< 35 and 35+ respectively). To compare proportions of EBF< 6m per BMI we used Student's t test and the Mann- Kendall test for trend. P < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of EBF<6m was 17.4, 7.1 and 3.2 % in non-obese, obese-1 and obese-2+ women respectively (p< 0.05 for proportions, p=0.012, test for trend). Results are similar when excluding teenage mothers from the analysis. Conclusion: Obesity inhibits breastfeeding through an inadequ...