Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

efore age 4 months was associated with increased risk of overweight at three years.
Complementary feeding was not defined in the publication, but it is commonly known as the
transition from infant formula or breastmilk to solid foods. Overall, the current evidence appears to
suggest that age of introduction of solid foods has no effect on the risk of overweight in children, but
due to the inconsistencies care must be taken when using this statement to guide practice.
References (Reilly, Armstrong et al. 2005; Hawkins and Law 2006; Hawkins, Cole et al. 2009)
Update on Complementary Foods and Obesity
When additional reviews are included and the question is widened to include childhood and
adulthood (instead of specifically stating 7 years) there is evidence (low quality) that later
introduction of solid foods was associated with lower levels of obesity. The evidence is well
reviewed in Ip (Ip, Chung et al. 2007) and Monasta (Monasta, Batty et al. 2010)
Is the age of solid food introduction in children associated with the development of
overweight later in life?
Draft Evidence Statement
Draft Grade
Component Rating Notes
Evidence Base
Consistency
Good
Age of introduction of solid foods is associated with
increasing risk of overweight in children
C
Satisfactory The systematic review and one cohort study found no
effect. The other cohort study found a positive effect.
Clinical impact Poor There was no association.
Generalisability Excellent USA and UK populations
Applicability Excellent Directly applicable.
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