ADHD and obesity are two common health issues that each impact many individuals. While they might seem unrelated, research shows that there could be a link between the two conditions. This article will explore what ADHD and obesity are, how they might be connected, and how to manage both.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” People with ADHD might have trouble paying attention, act without thinking, or feel the need to keep moving. These behaviors can make it hard to do well in school, work, or social situations. ADHD affects both children and adults, but it often starts with childhood ADHD. Treatment often consists of medication and behavioral therapy.

Who Gets ADHD?

ADHD is a common mental health condition in children. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 5 percent to 8 percent of children around the globe have ADHD. In the United States alone, about 11.4 percent of children (7 million children) between the ages of 3 and 17 years old have received an ADHD diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), boys are also more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, though some researchers believe this is because parents, teachers, and doctors are less likely to correctly identify symptoms in girls with ADHD.

What Causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t known, but it’s thought to be a mix of genetic, environmental, and neurological (brain) factors. If someone in your family has ADHD, you might be more likely to have it too. Other factors — such as exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, or extreme stress before birth, as well as a low birth weight or being born early — can also increase your risk.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity means having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. It’s not just about weight — it’s about having excess body fat that can cause additional health concerns. Obesity is very common and has become a global issue. In 2022, roughly 890 million people, or 16 percent of the global population, were living with obesity. Between 2017 and 2020, 41.9 percent of people in the United States were living with obesity.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, family history, behaviors, and your environment. If your family tends to gain weight easily, you might too. Eating unhealthy foods and not getting enough exercise can also lead to obesity.

The Connection Between ADHD and Obesity

Some studies have shown a correlation between ADHD and obesity, suggesting that people with ADHD are more likely than the general population or people without ADHD to develop obesity. This connection has been seen in both children and adults. Obesity is 70 percent more prevalent in adults with ADHD than adults without ADHD. In children, obesity is 40 percent more prevalent in those with ADHD than those without. However, more conclusive research between the two conditions is still needed.

Risk Factors for Obesity in People With ADHD

ADHD and obesity often occur alongside one another. Researchers don’t fully understand the reason for this. A few risk factors that may contribute to the relationship include:

• Impulsive eating — Individuals with ADHD may struggle with emotional, excess, or binge eating, which can contribute to obesity and excess weight and fat gain, particularly in childhood.
• Poor planning — For those with ADHD, it may be difficult to plan and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine due to decreased executive functioning.
• Sleep disturbances — ADHD is associated with trouble falling asleep and overall sleep quality, and it’s believed that shortened sleep may increase the risk of obesity.
• Hormone levels — people with ADHD might overeat unknowingly to boost dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel rewarded.

Impact of ADHD Medications

Medications used to treat ADHD can affect your weight. For the most part, these medications, specifically stimulant medications, reduce appetite, which is seen in nearly 80 percent of people. These medications can cause weight loss by suppressing your appetite or making you feel less hungry. This is especially common in children, particularly those who start stimulant medication at a younger age.

However, some studies have found that stimulant medication during childhood may cause a rebound phenomenon (rapid weight gain after treatment) during the teenage years, where body mass index (BMI) increases rapidly. A study from 2024 also demonstrated that stimulant medications cause weight loss initially but are then followed by weight gain within a year.

Sometimes doctors prescribe antidepressant drugs for ADHD in combination with other medications, even though they’re not a formally approved treatment for ADHD by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The side effects of some antidepressants include weight gain and increased appetite, so it’s important to monitor eating habits and weight while on antidepressants.

If you’re concerned about the effect of ADHD medication on your weight, talk to your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that you should never start or stop any medications without talking to your doctor first. Oftentimes, the benefits of medications outweigh potential side effects.

Managing ADHD and Obesity

Managing ADHD and obesity together requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some strategies that your healthcare provider might recommend:

• Establishing routines — Creating structured routines for meals and exercise can help you manage both conditions.
• Behavioral therapy — Therapy is often the first-line treatment for ADHD, and it can help improve impulse control and planning skills.
• Physical activity — Regular exercise is important for managing weight and can also help with ADHD symptoms.
• Setting goals — Setting smaller, attainable goals and sharing them with others to hold you accountable can be extremely beneficial.
• Getting support from healthcare providers — Working with doctors, therapists, and dietitians can provide the necessary support and guidance you need to manage both health conditions. Your healthcare team can create an individualized treatment plan just for you.

Remember, ADHD and obesity are linked in complex ways, often involving genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Understanding this connection is important for developing effective strategies to manage and treat both conditions.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 57,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you been diagnosed with ADHD and obesity? How do you manage the two conditions together? Share your comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.