Solution? Breastfeeding.

The Long-Term Health Impact of Breastfeeding: What the Research Reveals

In today's public health conversation, much attention is given to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While genetics, diet, and lifestyle certainly play major roles in health outcomes, there may be a relatively simple, natural intervention with long-lasting effects: breastfeeding.

Emerging research reveals that being not breastfed—or breastfed for only a short duration—is linked to a measurable increase in the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Below, we explore what science says about the relationship between breastfeeding and long-term health.

Being not breastfed or breastfed for a shorter duration is associated with a moderate but measurable increase in the risk of several chronic diseases later in life. Here’s what research says about the increased likelihood of developing key chronic conditions:

1. Obesity

Risk increase: 15–30% higher risk of childhood and adult obesity for those not breastfed.

Mechanism: Breastfeeding helps regulate energy intake and may influence metabolism and gut microbiota development.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Risk increase: Up to 35% greater risk.

There may be a relatively simple solution to increasing the health for many Americans in the immediate future.  

Evidence: A meta-analysis in JAMA Pediatrics found that children who were breastfed had significantly lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes, even after controlling for obesity and socioeconomic factors.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

Risk increase: 20–25% increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease in adults who were not breastfed.

Reason: Breastfeeding positively influences cholesterol levels and blood pressure in infancy.

4. Asthma and Allergies

Risk increase: 20–40% greater risk of asthma and eczema.

Why: Breast milk helps develop a child’s immune system and reduce inflammatory responses.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Risk increase: About 30% higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Supporting evidence: A 2017 meta-analysis found breastfeeding was protective against IBD across multiple populations.

6. Certain Cancers

Childhood leukemia: Not being breastfed is linked to a 20% higher risk of developing childhood leukemia.

Mechanism: Immune benefits from breast milk may reduce mutations or infections that can lead to cancer.

Summary Table

Disease/Condition Increased Risk (if not breastfed)

Obesity 15–30%

Type 2 Diabetes Up to 35%

Cardiovascular Disease 20–25%

Asthma/Allergies 20–40%

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ~30%

Childhood Leukemia ~20%

Conclusion

While breastfeeding is not the sole factor in chronic disease development, it has a protective effect. Not being breastfed increases the likelihood of several chronic conditions later in life, though genetics, diet, environment, and lifestyle also play significant roles.