Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Obesity and Hypertension: A Study Among Young Adults in Delhi NCR, India

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder increasingly recognized as an adult health concern. It is linked to behavioral disinhibitions that are studied to be associated with mental and physical health adversities, including obesity and hypertension, due to potential common genetic and environmental underpinnings. These connections remain underexplored, particularly in the Indian context. Hence, this study aims to explore the association of ADHD with obesity and hypertension among young adults in Delhi NCR, India.

This cross-sectional study involved 1537 participants aged 18-25 years residing in Delhi NCR, India. Sociodemographic data was collected via pretested and modified interview schedules. ADHD was screened using the ASRS v1.1 tool. Obesity was assessed in terms of general and central obesity using standard anthropometric measurements. Blood pressure was recorded using a digital sphygmomanometer.

Combined-type ADHD correlated with a higher risk of central obesity, with 2.4-fold and 1.9-fold increased odds of high waist circumference (WC) and waist-height ratio (WHtR), respectively. The effect of ADHD on obesity intensified with age. No significant association was found with blood pressure, but trends suggested hypertension may escalate with age among ADHD individuals.

The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating ADHD diagnosis into obesity management programs and highlights the critical role of early, targeted interventions in effectively managing ADHD symptoms. Such an approach may help achieve better health outcomes and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular complications.