Breastfeeding Not the Key to Quick Fat Loss
Tue Sep 14, 2004 11:21 AM ET
Health News Article | Reuters.com
By Charnicia E. Huggins
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For new mothers trying to lose those extra pounds, breastfeeding may not be the surefire answer that many women consider it to be, according to two Cincinnati researchers. In their study, all women -- whether they breastfed or not -- lost body fat after giving birth. However, the moms who did not breastfeed lost weight quicker during the first six months after delivery than did breastfeeding mothers. 'It is important that women are aware that, although there are many advantages to breastfeeding, faster loss of the fat gained during pregnancy is not likely to be one of those advantages,' study author Dr. Karen S. Wosje, of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center told Reuters Health. Despite anecdotal evidence cited by some women, conflicting reports exist about the link between breastfeeding and postpartum weight loss. In one study, researchers reported greater weight loss among breastfeeding mothers up to 12 months after delivery in comparison to mothers who did not breastfeed. In another, no such association was found...."