Complementary Food and Obesity

Professor Luis Moreno discusses the important role of complementary feeding in preventing childhood obesity, highlighting the need for timely introduction to support healthy growth and reduce long-term obesity risk. The discussion explores how early or delayed introduction of solids, consumption of high-energy-dense foods, and excessive animal protein can increase adiposity, while nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods and early vegetable exposure foster healthier habits. The episode further reviews mixed evidence on baby-led weaning, the influence of complementary feeding on gut microbiota, and the need for parental education to guide portion sizes and food choices. Key preventive strategies were emphasized, including promoting breastfeeding, ensuring balanced nutrient intake, and aligning feeding practices with developmental needs to establish lifelong healthy eating patterns and reduce obesity-related health burdens.