The prevalence of obesity in the paediatric population is on the increase and there is speculation that suboptimal breastfeeding patterns may be contributing to the present obesity epidemic. We described the prevalence and trends in underweight and overweight among 3 052 school aged children over a ten year period, and patterns of exclusive and any infant breastfeeding among 671 mothers over a 6 year period on Montserrat a small British colony which forms part of the chain of Caribbean islands, and experienced the eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano in July 1995. / The results revealed for 11 year old children there was an excess risk of being overweight in the post volcanic period compared to the pre volcanic period (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.7). / The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months of age was exceptionally low (3.4%) in relation to the international recommendations, but the prevalence of any breastfeeding at 4-6 months was relatively high 67.1%. Maternal age was the only significant variable associated with exclusive breastfeeding. / These findings highlight the need for promoting and prolonging exclusive breastfeeding and that overweight is increasing in the children on Montserrat.

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