Earlier this year, Turkish researchers published a study into the connection between malnutrition, obesity, and ADHD.
“Malnutrition and Obesity in Children With ADHD” was published in Journal of Attention Disorders. In it, the researchers studied over 360 children between 5 and 15 years of age who had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, comparing them to nearly 400 children matched for age and sex (control group).
They measured diet and medication history, clinical signs, weight for height (WFH), BMI, weight standard deviation scores (SDS), and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness in both groups.
The researchers discovered that malnutrition frequency and obesity were significantly higher in the ADHD group than they were in the control group. There was also significant difference between the two groups regarding malnutrition severity. In addition, prevalence of obesity was also higher in the ADHD group.
Finally, the researchers suggested that ADHD is a risk factor for developing eating disorders.
Since children with ADHD seem to have a higher likelihood of consuming more calories, according to the researchers, it is integral that diets include nutrient dense foods that are high in fibre (like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains).
Yet another study highlighting how important proper nutrition is when managing mental disorders.
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