The moderating role of body dissatisfaction in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating in pediatric overweight and obesity

ABSTRACT

Background: Identifying factors linked to disordered eating in overweight and obesity (OV/OB) may provide a better understanding of youth at risk for disordered eating. This project examined whether ADHD symptoms and body dissatisfaction were associated with disordered eating. Methods: ADHD symptoms, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction were assessed in 220 youth ages 7–12 who were OV/OB. Results: Multiple linear regressions showed that body dissatisfaction and ADHD symptoms were associated with disordered eating. Discussion: Children with ADHD symptoms and OV/OB may be at greater risk for disordered eating when highly dissatisfied with their bodies. Health care providers should assess body image and disordered eating in youth with comorbid OV/OB and ADHD.