The aim: To evaluate the frequency of obesity in children scolarised in Zaghouan, and to show the protective effect of breast feeding.
Methods: A retrospective study, included 162 children (aged 2 to 6 years), from 3 kindergartens situated in Zaghouan, during 2006. A questionnaire was drawn up, filled out by parents, concerning the breast feeding, the duration, the family antecedents of obesity, and the nutritional practices. Obesity is defined by an Body Mass Index (BMI) > or =97 centile referring to curve of the centiles of BMI for the age (Rolland Cachera).
Results: 86% of children were breast fed. 85 children (52%) were nursed by breast exclusively 6 months or over (A group). 54 (34%) are exclusively breast-fed lower than 6 months (B group). 23 (14%) were never breast fed (group C). An overweight was found in 20 children (12%). This overweight is noted respectively in 8%, 9% and 8/23 in the groups A, B and C. Our results showed that there is a statistically significant relation between the BMI and the breast feeding (P < 10 -8). Breast feeding has probably a protective effect against obesity of the child (Odds Ratio = 0.17).
Conclusion: Promotion of the breast-feeding and information on its methods and its control are a public health priority, it protects the child and his mother from certain diseases and prevents from childhood obesity. OMS recommends an exclusive breast feeding until the 6 months age, and to continue if possible until the 2 years.