What is the effect of breastfeeding duration on obesity and hepatosteatosis in the postpartum period?

Background: Hepatosteatosis, which we frequently observe today with change in lifestyle, is often unnoticed, but preventable and reversible; if not prevented, it can lead to serious comorbidities. There is contradicting evidence in the literature; we believe that breastfeeding has a protective effect on hepatosteatosis. In this cross-sectional study we conducted, we aimed to examine the relationship between breastfeeding duration, metabolic parameters and fatty liver. Methods: : We examined the data of 135 patients aged 20–40 years who have had at least 1 pregnancy and admitted to our polyclinic. Measurements of height and weight were taken, and number of children and total breastfeeding time were questioned. Blood values were measured to calculate insulin resistance, NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) fibrosis score and fib4 score. Results: : Consequently, there was no significant correlation between total breastfeeding time and body mass index (BMI), NAFLD fibrosis score, HOMA-IR value and HbA1c. When two groups were formed as patients breastfeeding for 6 months, a significant difference in BMI was observed between these two groups (p: 0.02). There was a significant relationship between BMI and NAFLD (p: 0.00) and HOMA-IR (p: 0.00). Conclusions: : Lactation should be maintained for at least six months for maternal health together with the baby’s health, and more comprehensive studies should be conducted for long-term data.