[Overweight and eating disorders in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

Abstract

Recent studies have generally found an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among children, adolescents and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the latest research suggests, that ADHD is also associated with problematic eating behaviour and eating disorders. The pathways of these associations are still up for discussion, but both psychological and biological factors are important aspects. There is further-more a good theoretical basis for the assumption, that active drug treatment of ADHD may minimise the risk of overweight. However, existing research is predominantly based on small, selected cross-sectional studies.