International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 45s, 2026.

Infant Feeding Practices and Childhood Obesity Among Preschool Children: A Case-Control Study

Dr. Deepakshi Teotia1, Dr. Jugesh Chhatwal.2, Dr. Praneta Swarup.3, Dr. Bindu T Nair.4, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Thapar.5, Dr Poonam Chhillar Vij6, Dr. Tanya Khatter7

1* Junior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

2 Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

p>3 Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India (Corresponding author)

p>4 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Sharda School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India

ABSTRACT

Background Childhood obesity is an emerging public health challenge worldwide and is increasingly prevalent in developing countries including India. Early-life nutritional practices, particularly breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, are considered important modifiable determinants of childhood obesity. Breastfeeding influences metabolic programming, appetite regulation, and body composition during infancy and early childhood. However, Indian data examining the association between breastfeeding duration and obesity among preschool children remain limited. Materials and Methods This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida. Children aged 2–5 years attending the pediatric outpatient department were enrolled and categorized according to body mass index (BMI) into obese and normal BMI groups based on WHO growth standards. Data regarding duration of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, timing and type of top feeds, parental education, and socioeconomic status were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-square test, and p value was considered statistically significant. Results Children with shorter duration of breastfeeding demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of obesity compared to those breastfed for longer durations. Lack of exclusive breastfeeding and early introduction of top feeds were more commonly observed among obese children. Maternal education and socioeconomic status also showed significant associations with feeding practices and childhood BMI status. Longer breastfeeding duration appeared to have a protective role against obesity in children aged 2–5 years.Conclusion Breastfeeding duration is significantly associated with obesity among preschool children. Exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding may reduce the risk of childhood obesity and should be promoted as an important early-life intervention. Strengthening awareness regarding optimal infant feeding practices may help reduce the growing burden of childhood obesity in India

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Childhood obesity, Exclusive breastfeeding, Infant feeding practices, Preschool children, BMI.

How to cite this article: Teotia D, Chhatwal J, Swarup P, Nair BT, Thapar RK, Vij PC, Khatter T., Infant Feeding Practices and Childhood Obesity Among Preschool Children: A Case-Control Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(45s): 1366- 1371; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.45s.139

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None.