Lactancia materna como factor protector en la obesidad infantil: actualización

• Autores: Cristobal García Bragado, Natalia Bueno Latorre, María Castán Merino, María Berges Vidal, Belén Brau Sanz, Silvia Serrano Yus
• Localización: Revista Sanitaria de Investigación, ISSN-e 2660-7085, Vol. 6, Nº. 2, 2025
• Idioma: español
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen
  • español

    La obesidad infantil es una preocupación creciente a nivel mundial, y su prevención se ha convertido en una prioridad para la salud pública. La lactancia materna ha demostrado ser un factor protector clave contra esta condición, ya que proporciona una nutrición óptima y regula la ingesta de alimentos en los primeros meses de vida.

    Diversos estudios epidemiológicos han establecido que los niños amamantados tienen menos riesgo de desarrollar obesidad en comparación con aquellos alimentados con fórmula. La lactancia materna no solo asegura una nutrición adecuada, sino que también regula el apetito mediante la leche materna, que contiene hormonas como la leptina, involucrada en la regulación del metabolismo. Además, la lactancia exclusiva durante los primeros seis meses de vida está asociada con una menor probabilidad de sobrepeso y obesidad en la infancia.

    Sin embargo, las tasas de lactancia materna varían según el nivel socioeconómico y educativo de las madres, lo que resalta la importancia de implementar políticas públicas para promoverla en beneficio del desarrollo infantil. El apoyo a las madres, tanto en el hogar como en el entorno laboral, y la educación sobre los beneficios de la lactancia son esenciales para reducir la prevalencia de la obesidad infantil.

  • English

    Childhood obesity is an increasing global concern, and its prevention has become a public health priority. Breastfeeding has been shown to be a key protective factor against this condition, as it provides optimal nutrition and regulates food intake during the first few months of life.

    Various epidemiological studies have established that breastfed children have a lower risk of developing obesity compared to those fed with formula. Breastfeeding not only ensures adequate nutrition but also regulates appetite through breast milk, which contains hormones like leptin, involved in metabolism regulation. Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight and obesity in childhood.

    However, breastfeeding rates vary according to the socioeconomic and educational level of mothers, highlighting the importance of implementing public policies to promote it for the benefit of child development. Support for mothers, both at home and in the workplace, and education about the benefits of breastfeeding are essential to reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity.

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