Is Duration of Breastfeeding Associated with Anthropometric Measures in Children and Adolescents? the Weight Disorders Survey of the CASPIAN- IV Study

Background: The association of duration of breastfeeding (BF)  with  weight disorders remains controversial.  This study aimed to evaluate the association of BF with anthropometric measures and weight disorders in Iranian children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: Using multistage random cluster sampling method, a representative sample of 25,000 school students were selected from urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran (2011-2012). Through a validated questionnaire, data was recorded for every participant. Anthropometricand  measures and duration of BF were measured under international standard protocols by using calibrated instruments. Results: Overall, 23,043 students completed the survey (participation rate: 92.17%). They consisted of 50.8% boys, 73.4% urban residents, with a mean age  of   12.55 ± 3.31 years. Significant association was found between BF duration and overweight (P