Complementary Food and Obesity

The timing, content, and quality of complementary feeding, along with feeding practices and socioeconomic factors, can influence the risk of obesity and long-term eating habits. Early dietary exposures during this period may alter gut microbiota diversity, potentially predisposing to excess weight gain. This article reviews the evidence linking complementary feeding patterns to obesity risk, and highlights prevention strategies such as responsive feeding and clear, consistent parental guidance that can support healthy growth and reduce the likelihood of obesity from infancy into adulthood.