Further research revealed that children who were breastfed for six months had a fifteen percent lower chance of becoming overweight, compared to babies who had been fed formula milk.
Other benefits of breastfeeding are said to include a higher resistance to stomach bugs, chest infections, asthma, and allergies.
The survey, which was conducted in Japan, was led by Michiyo Yamakawa, who revealed:
'Breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk of overweight and obesity among school children in Japan.
'Therefore, it would be better to encourage breastfeeding even in developed countries.'
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These statistics come as new figures show that the number of mothers who breastfeed for long periods of time has fallen slightly, to just under seventy-four percent.
Former midwife and independent breastfeeding counsellor, Clare Byam Cook addressed the pressure new mothers face over breastfeeding, explaining:
'Most women who give up find it too difficult to continue.
'They are not unaware of the benefits to the baby, they have been brainwashed into thinking if they don't their baby will miss out and it can be a very worrying time.
'But many find it too difficult to continue and they don't get long-term support.'