Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with overweight in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A cross-sectional study

Background

Overweight has been increasing globally in various age groups, including children and adolescents. Despite efforts to reduce instances of childhood obesity, research has shown that children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be overweight more often than the general population. In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with overweight in children and adolescents with ADHD treated at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 40 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who were diagnosed with ADHD. Height/age and body mass index (BMI)/age indices were used for anthropometric assessment, and the percentages of fat mass (%FM) and fat-free mass (%FFM) were estimated using bioelectrical impedance. Clinical (lipid profile and comorbidities) and sociodemographic variables were also obtained. The association between clinical and sociodemographic variables and overweight status was investigated using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Excessive weight occurred in 42.5% (n = 17) of the participants, 67% (n = 20) had inadequat% FM, and 27.5% (n = 11) had dyslipidemia. According to the MCA, “greater number of people in the family”, “lower maternal education”, “presence of comorbidities, and “generalized anxiety disorder” were more frequent among those with excess weight.

Conclusion

The findings provide insights on the clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with being overweight in children and adolescents with ADHD, which may contribute to the early detection of possible inadequacies in anthropometric status.