Childhood and adult obesity is a serious public health concern and rising rates are not always interpreted by overeating. Current evidence on human adult and infant studies clarify the associations with gut microbiota and infant overweight or adult weight status and implicate how the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome influences energy absorption, immune homeostasis, host metabolism and weight control. The optimal policy generally to promote the colonization of a healthy infant gut microbiome, is to have a vaginal delivery followed by exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age with minimal exposure to antibiotics. Moreover, there is a dose-response effect between duration of breastfeeding and reduced risk of early childhood obesity.
Possible mechanisms linking breastfeeding to early childhood obesity are recognized. Quantity of protein in human milk is lower than that in formula. The longer a child is breastfed, the lower the risk of childhood obesity. Additionally, maternal dietary flavor delivered in breast milk may influence infants' later taste and food acceptability. Secondly, infants who are breastfed for a long time are more self-adjusting and may decrease their milk consumption when complimentary food is introduced. Utilization of human milk in diet provides hope for halting obesity.