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A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry highlights how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a child’s weight in ways that could have long-term health implications. Researchers from the University of Southampton found that children with ADHD tend to weigh less at birth compared to their peers. However, after the age of 5, they are more likely to develop obesity, a shift that could increase health risks later in life.
New Insights on Weight Shifts and ADHD
Researchers analyzed data from over 7,900 children born between 2000 and 2002, comparing 442 children with ADHD symptoms to nearly 5,400 children without symptoms. While children with ADHD weighed less at birth on average, by nine months and three years of age, the weight differences between the two groups disappeared.
After the age of 5, however, children with ADHD showed a significantly higher likelihood of developing obesity. The risk was particularly pronounced after age 7 in girls and after age 11 in boys. Additionally, the severity of ADHD symptoms was linked to higher body mass index (BMI) levels at ages 11 and 14, further reinforcing the association between ADHD and obesity risk in later childhood.
Monitoring the Early Years
This research emphasizes the importance of paying attention to weight trends in children with ADHD, particularly during the critical period between ages 3 and 5. Researchers suggest that ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity may influence food choices, potentially increasing the risk of obesity as children age.
As Claire Reed, the study's lead author, noted, “Research into the 'when and why' regarding this turning point is scarce.” Greater awareness of this connection could guide healthcare professionals in identifying early interventions, such as behavioral support or nutritional counseling, to address obesity risks in children with ADHD. Understanding these patterns is vital for tailoring care and preventing additional health complications associated with childhood obesity.