Overweight among Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of overweight among children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their difference by medication.

Method: We conducted a secondary data analysis using the National Survey of Children's Health 2003(aged 6-17 years, n=62,476). The definition of ADHD is used from the question of "Has a doctor or health professional ever told that [study child] has ADD or ADHD?" The odds of overweight (BMI≥ 95% percentile) were estimated among children with ADHD who were or were not taking medication compared with children without ADHD. Covariates were age, race, education, poverty, family structure, number of family meals, computer and reading hours, TV viewing hours, physical activity, sleep, participation of organized activities, and supportive neighborhood. Further, we adjusted weights and multistage sampling design effects in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: Overall 9% of U.S. children had either ADD or ADHD in 2003. Only girls with ADHD had a higher rate of overweight than that of girls without ADHD (20% vs. 16%). However, both boys and girls with ADHD and currently NOT taking medication were more likely to be overweight than those without ADHD (OR (95% CI) for Boys, 1.44 (1.13-1.84) and Girls, 1.79 (1.20-2.67).

Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight among children with ADHD is dependent on sex and medication. Children with ADHD who not take ADHD medication have a higher risk of overweight than those taking medication and compared to children without ADHD. These data suggest that medication use should be carefully considered in children with ADHD.