Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is not associated with overweight in adolescence but is related to unhealthy eating behavior and limited physical activity

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to examine the possible relation between adolescent ADHD and high BMI, studying also eating behavior and physical activity.

Methods

The data were collected from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. The follow-up at the age of 16 consisted of a self-assessment form and clinical examination where height and weight were measured and questionnaires on physical activity and eating habits was completed. ADHD diagnosis was based on a diagnostic interview with adolescents and parents according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. The participants were divided into the following study groups: individuals with adolescent ADHD (n = 90), those with only childhood ADHD (n = 40), and community controls (n = 269).

Results

Results showed no significant differences in BMI, but adolescents with ADHD seemed to have unhealthier eating habits than controls; they ate less often vegetables and breakfast, devoured more often, and consumed more fast food, soft drinks, sweets, and potato crisps daily. Individuals with adolescent ADHD reported light exercise more often but strenuous exercise more seldom than controls. Those with only childhood ADHD did not significantly differ from community controls regarding health behaviors.

Conclusions

There was no relation between ADHD and high BMI but adolescents with ADHD had unhealthier eating habits than those without ADHD. It is conceivable that unhealthy eating behaviors in adolescence might be a risk factor for the development of later overweight; however, the longitudinal associations between ADHD, unhealthy eating behaviors and overweight have not been considered in the present study and remain to be examined further.

Keywords:

• ADHD
• BMI
• neuropsychiatric disorder

Acknowledgments

We thank all cohort members and researchers who have participated in the study. We also want to acknowledge the work of the NFBC project center. The biostatistician efforts were covered by the University Hospital/Terttu Foundation grant funding. Jari Koskela was a biostatistician in the Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry, University of Oulu. His time/efforts were paid for and covered by a grant from Terttu Foundation at the Department of Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

NFBC data is available from the University of Oulu, Infrastructure for Population Studies. Please, contact NFBC project center ([email protected]) and visit the cohort website (www.oulu.fi/nfbc) for more information. Permission to use the data can be applied for research via the electronic material request portal. In using data, we follow the Finnish Data Protection Act and the EU general data protection regulation (679/2016).

Additional information

Funding

AHH, and TH have received funding from Terttu foundation. AHH has received travel fees (Lundbeck). MK, JK, and TH report no potential conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.