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Body image and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

This study analyzed body image perceptions and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers.

Methods

Prospective, case–control study on 25 obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) and 25 normal-weight puerperae, matched for parity and delivery route. The participants completed the Body Uneasiness Test, a two-part, self-report questionnaire, investigating body image perception before they were discharged from hospital and participated in telephone interviews concerning breastfeeding practices.

Results

Obese women demonstrated body image dissatisfaction related to their obesity. On average, they reported significantly higher scores on Global Severity Index (p < 0.0001) and on all of the BUT-A subscales: Weight Phobia (p < 0.02), Body Image Concerns (p < 0.0001), Avoidance (p < 0.0001), Compulsive Self-Monitoring (p < 0.01), and Depersonalization (p = 0.002) than did normal-weight puerperae. Moreover, they also had higher BUT-B scores and the Positive Symptom Total was significantly higher (p < 0.002). Finally, while breastfeeding practices at discharge were similar in the two groups, the obese mothers were more likely to maintain full breastfeeding at 6 months (p < 0.04).

Conclusions

Obese mothers have negative body image perceptions but they maintain full breastfeeding longer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Padua School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128, Padua, Italy

    Vincenzo Zanardo, Irene Gambina, Maria Elena Nicoló, Arturo Giustardi & Daniele Trevisanuto

  2. Independent Statistician, 36020, Solagna, Italy

    Francesco Cavallin

  3. Division of Perinatal Medicine, Policlinico Abano Terme, 35031, Abano Terme, Italy

    Gianluca Straface

Authors
  1. Vincenzo Zanardo
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  2. Irene Gambina
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  3. Maria Elena Nicoló
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  4. Arturo Giustardi
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  5. Francesco Cavallin
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  6. Gianluca Straface
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  7. Daniele Trevisanuto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vincenzo Zanardo.

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Zanardo, V., Gambina, I., Nicoló, M.E. et al. Body image and breastfeeding practices in obese mothers. Eat Weight Disord 19, 89–93 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0061-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-013-0061-8

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