A Review: Associations Between Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder, Physical Activity, Medication Use, Eating Behaviors and Obesity in Children and Adolescents☆

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Highlights

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    Evidence for understanding the association between ADHD and obesity.

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    The impact physical activity, medication, eating behavior and gender have on the relationship between ADHD and obesity.

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    Includes the latest research in the field assessing the relationship between ADHD and obesity in children and adolescents.

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    Rationale for offering preventive strategies for obesity for those diagnosed with ADHD.

Abstract

In the past few years we have become increasingly aware of strong associations between obesity and ADHD. Both conditions are major public health issues, affecting children, adolescents and adults alike.

Objective

This review seeks to (1) examine prior research on the association between ADHD and obesity in children and adolescents; (2) discuss mechanisms and consequent behavioral attributes to gain understanding of the path association between ADHD and obesity, (3) review studies examining the role of physical activity, medication, eating behavior and gender on the relationship between ADHD and obesity in children and adolescents.

Method

PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were used to search for studies whose subjects were children and adolescents, ages 0–17 years and whose publication years were from 2000 to 2016. After screening 31 studies were included in the review.

Results

The literature suggests that there is a significant association between ADHD and obesity. Further, the inattentive and impulsive behaviors that characterize ADHD could contribute to dis-regulated eating behaviors and a lack of motivation to engage in physical activity. In addition, it is proposed that medication, gender and physical activity play a role in mediating and moderating the relationship between ADHD and obesity.

Section snippets

Method

We searched for studies that reported on the prevalence of obesity among those diagnosed with ADHD, the prevalence of ADHD among those who are obese, clinical studies comparing those with ADHD versus non-ADHD, and the association if any between ADHD, obesity, physical activity, eating behavior, medication and gender. Empirical studies were included and case-reports and non-published works were excluded. Selection criteria included having ever been diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare provider,

ADHD and Obesity

Three clinical studies (Agranat-Meged et al., 2005; Braet, Claus, Verbeken, & Van, 2007; Erermis et al., 2004) were found describing the prevalence of ADHD among obese children and adolescents. Based on these data, the evidence points to higher than expected prevalence of ADHD in clinical samples of obese patients seeking for treatment.

Two of the studies showed a higher prevalence of ADHD among study subjects who were obese. Agranat-Meged et al. (2005), studied a clinical sample of 26 children

Comments and future studies

Gaining better insight into the relationship between ADHD and obesity is paramount because it may lead to a greater understanding of the causal path underlying obesity and ADHD. Also, greater insight on the mechanism of this relationship could be beneficial for the management of both conditions when found together. In addition, preventive measures could be applied to those with ADHD who might be at higher risk for the development of obesity and vice versa. Finding efficacious and practical

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    This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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