I imagine that the impulsiveness theory is one possibility connecting ADHD to obesity– however, there is no causal link identified. At this point, they are simply seeing a connection or what they would call a “correlation” but they can’t say what the source of the connection may be. Is it impulsiveness leading to obesity and overweight? Is something in the medicine mediating hunger (or lack there of) or speeding up digestion? Is it something else all together?

There needs to be a lot more research to understand the connection more.

Thanks for stopping by– please come back and visit soon!

Dr. Robyn

I’ve often wondered if my issues with weight stem from my impulsivity with eating when I’m happy, sad, depressed, bored, etc… I don’t have that little voice that says “stop – you’ve had enough”. Thankfully I am not obese, but slightly overweight, but have struggled in getting it off for years and I really don’t have that much to lose.

Yes, we certainly have a chicken and egg situation here– or some other factor that can be tying the 2 together for some reason. For example, who knows- perhaps a parent that has a child who has trouble sitting for meals sue to ADHD is more likely to provide quick–on-the-run meals, or meals in front of the TV, or fast food– the point is, we don’t know. There may be a link but we aren’t sure what it means.

As far as weight obsession, positive body image is a passion of mine. I worry that studies like this one can set off yet another alarm in people’s heads that says, “I must tell my child to lose weight” or “I must tell my child to watch what he eats” which may just backfire. We want our children and family to make healthy food and exercise choices because they want to be healthy NOT because they fear weight.

Studying body image for 10 years now, you are quite correct– adults have these issues just as much as children. It provides a reinforcing effect that we all need to be weary of so that we don’t send the wrong message to children.

Thanks for visiting– come back soon!

Dr. Robyn

ADHD and obesity are so widespread, how can researchers accurately make this connection.

And if there is a connection, which is chicken and which is egg?

I don’t work with children (personal trainer 19+ years), and I don’t think many of my adult clients have ADHD (distracted by their busy lives for sure, but not ADHD) but I do know that people (mainly women) who are obsessed with their body-weight cause themselves more harm than good.

I try to make the shift from body-weight focused thinking to whole body health focused thinking.

Body image issues don’t go away as soon as we hit 30, 40 or even 50.