A new study from Seoul National University Hospital has found that children diagnosed with ADHD, and those who are treated with the medication methylphenidate (MPH), may be more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.
They may also end up slightly shorter by the time they reach ages 20 to 25.
ADHD, which stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common mental health conditions in children. Many kids with ADHD are treated with methylphenidate, a medication that helps reduce symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity.
However, there have been concerns about how ADHD and its treatment may affect a child’s growth and weight over time.
This study, published in JAMA Network Open, looked into whether having ADHD or taking methylphenidate in childhood affects height and weight in adulthood. Researchers used a large database from Korea’s National Health Insurance Service, which covers more than 97% of the population and includes regular health checkups.
The study followed 34,850 children who were newly diagnosed with ADHD. They were between the ages of 6 and 19 when diagnosed. Each child was paired with another child of the same age and gender who did not have ADHD. The researchers then looked at these individuals when they were between 20 and 25 years old to compare their height and weight.
The results showed that children with ADHD were more likely to grow into adults who were overweight or obese, compared to their non-ADHD peers. Specifically, 44.9% of those with ADHD were overweight or obese, compared to 35.0% of those without ADHD. Severe obesity was also more common, seen in 14.9% of the ADHD group compared to 9.3% of those without ADHD.
When it came to height, there was no major difference between the two groups overall. However, among the people who had taken methylphenidate, there was a small increase in the number of adults who were considered shorter than average. About 8% of the MPH group were classified as having short stature, though the actual difference in height was less than 1 cm on average.
Adults who had both ADHD and were treated with MPH also had higher rates of being overweight or obese compared to those without ADHD. In this group, 46.5% were overweight or obese, and 16.1% were severely obese.
The study suggests several reasons for these trends. Children with ADHD often have unhealthy lifestyle habits. They may eat irregularly, sleep poorly, and be less physically active. MPH can also reduce appetite in the short term, leading some children to skip meals. Later, they may overeat when their appetite returns, which could contribute to weight gain.
Although these findings may sound concerning, the researchers say the differences in height and weight are relatively small. They believe that with proper guidance on diet, sleep, and physical activity, many of these effects can be managed.
In summary, children with ADHD—especially those treated with methylphenidate—may face a slightly higher risk of being overweight or a bit shorter in adulthood. But these risks can be reduced with good nutrition, regular sleep, and healthy habits throughout childhood.
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