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Longitudinal Associations Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity and Weight From Birth to Adolescence
Claire Reed1, Samuele Cortese2, Dennis Golm1
1University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 7, 2024
Summary
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are born lighter but more likely to be obese later. ADHD symptoms predict higher body mass index (BMI) in females and males, suggesting early interventions are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to both lower birth weight and childhood obesity.
- Previous research on the relationship between ADHD and weight status has yielded mixed findings.
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of this association is critical for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional relationship between body mass index (BMI) and ADHD symptoms from birth through adolescence.
- To examine developmental sex differences in the association between ADHD and BMI.
- To inform early intervention strategies for children with ADHD and their families.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) with 7 time points from 9 months to 17 years.
- Employed random intercept cross-lagged panel models to analyze associations between BMI z-scores and ADHD symptoms (SDQ scores).
- Conducted analyses separately for female and male participants, adjusting for relevant covariates.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD were lighter at birth but had higher odds of obesity from age 5 onwards.
- In females, higher ADHD symptoms predicted higher BMI z-scores across multiple developmental stages (ages 7, 11, 14 predicting 11, 14, 17).
- In males, this association was significant only between ages 11 and 14.
Conclusions:
- Early interventions, potentially starting prenatally, are recommended for children with ADHD and their families.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering developmental sex differences in ADHD and obesity research.
- Addressing ADHD and weight concerns concurrently may improve long-term health outcomes.
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