Associations between breastfeeding, childhood BMI and pubertal onset: findings from a prospective cohort study
Key Points
Later onset of puberty is linked to exclusive breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration.
Findings indicate that prepubertal BMI does not mediate the relationship between breastfeeding and pubertal onset.
The analysis highlighted the distinct role of breastfeeding in developmental timing, suggesting it may influence hormonal factors.
No significant mediating effect of prepubertal BMI was observed, emphasizing direct associations with breastfeeding variables.
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration were associated with later onset of puberty in boys and girls. Prepubertal BMI did not mediate the observed associations.