ADD/ADHD: Overweight Connection?
Posted by Evelyn Tribole MS RD at 10/9/2008 9:22 AM 
Categories: Resources, Kids Nutrition, Research News, Intuitive Eating, ADD/ADHD
Categories: Resources, Kids Nutrition, Research News, Intuitive Eating, ADD/ADHD
Q. Is it true that if your child has ADD/ADHD that it can lead to obesity or weight gain?
A. It’s a possibility that untreated kids with this attention disorder may be at higher risk for weight gain.
A compelling study (1) from Brown Medical School found that kids with ADD/ADHD and not taking medication had 1.5 times the likelihood of being overweight. While this is only an association, (which does not prove cause and effect), it was a large study involving nearly 63,000 kids aged 5 to 17. The results are consistent with previous studies linking overweight and ADD/ADHD. The researchers suggest that impulsivity may lead to eating patterns that put kids at higher risk for obesity. They also theorize that these kids may be more apt to watch television or play computer or video games, which is associated with weight gain.
I have observed a similar pattern in my private practice. When I see overweight kids with untreated or undiagnosed ADD/ADHD, they tend to impulsively eat (usually snacking), often triggered by boredom. This also makes it difficult to be an Intuitive Eater. When they begin medication, the impulsive eating often stop or decreases significantly. If you suspect your child has this disorder, it’s another good reason to get him or her evaluated (2).
Resources:
(1) Free Full Text of Study:
A. It’s a possibility that untreated kids with this attention disorder may be at higher risk for weight gain.
A compelling study (1) from Brown Medical School found that kids with ADD/ADHD and not taking medication had 1.5 times the likelihood of being overweight. While this is only an association, (which does not prove cause and effect), it was a large study involving nearly 63,000 kids aged 5 to 17. The results are consistent with previous studies linking overweight and ADD/ADHD. The researchers suggest that impulsivity may lead to eating patterns that put kids at higher risk for obesity. They also theorize that these kids may be more apt to watch television or play computer or video games, which is associated with weight gain.
I have observed a similar pattern in my private practice. When I see overweight kids with untreated or undiagnosed ADD/ADHD, they tend to impulsively eat (usually snacking), often triggered by boredom. This also makes it difficult to be an Intuitive Eater. When they begin medication, the impulsive eating often stop or decreases significantly. If you suspect your child has this disorder, it’s another good reason to get him or her evaluated (2).
Resources:
(1) Free Full Text of Study:
Waring ME and Lapane KLOverweight in Children and Adolescents in Relation to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Results From a National Sample. Pediatrics 2008 122(July): e1-e6.
(2) Free Online ADD/ADHD Screening Test. This online questionnaire is not a substitute for a clinical evaluation and is designed to help you recognize symptoms of ADD. http://www.addtestonline.com/
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