Does ADHD medication make you gain weight?

While the stimulating effects of many ADHD medications normally suppress appetite and may initially cause weight loss in children and adolescents, these drugs are also linked to the possibility of significant weight gain later in life.


Why do ADHD meds cause weight gain?

Although the stimulant effect of ADHD medications can curb your appetite and help burn calories, once it wears off, your appetite can come roaring back. And if you overeat when you're not on your medicine, you could gain weight, especially since that's most often in the evening or at night.

Is there ADHD medicine that makes you skinny?

Ironically, Adderall — a popular ADHD medication made from a combination of amphetamines — was originally developed and marketed over 20 years ago as a weight loss medication under the name “Obetrol.” Dexedrine is another ADHD medication that has been prescribed for weight control.


Does ADHD affect metabolism?

Its symptoms may actually trigger and exacerbate serious weight problems. Indeed, decades of research show a strong correlation between ADHD and obesity — so strong, in fact, that someone with ADHD is four times more likely to become obese than is someone without ADHD.

How much weight do you lose with ADHD medication?

By their final weigh in, people treated with ADHD medication lost on average about 12% of their body weight (about 15kg), while the controls gained an average of about 3% of their body weight (about 3kg).


ADHD and Weight Loss



Is it harder to lose weight with ADHD?

Several studies have shown that those with ADHD are prone to obesity and find it hard to lose weight. This is not surprising. Adults with ADHD aren't always aware of their food intake. Many eat while doing another activity — watching television, say, or even driving — so they lose track of the calories they consume.

How can someone with ADHD lose weight fast?

If you're trying to lose weight with ADHD, routine is key. It can be helpful to identify what time you're going to eat main meals (and snacks if they're part of your plan). Setting an alarm in your phone to remind you to eat at your set times can be helpful. Time restricted eating can support weight loss.

Why are people with ADHD overweight?

Biological and genetic factors can also predispose people with ADHD to become obese. Serotonin and dopamine are two of several neurotransmitters in the brain that are implicated in ADHD. Both serotonin and dopamine levels rise when we eat high-carbohydrate and high-sugar food.


Do people with ADHD have weight issues?

This translated in an increased pooled prevalence of obesity by about 70% in adults with ADHD (28.2%, 95% CI = 22.8–34.4) compared with those without ADHD (16.4%, 95% CI = 13.4–19.9), and by about 40% in children with ADHD (10.3%, 95% CI = 7.9–13.3) compared with those without ADHD (7.4%, 95% CI = 5.4–10.1).

Can undiagnosed ADHD cause weight gain?

What you may not know is that excessive body weight is unusually prevalent among people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). And, given their impulsivity and their often-erratic eating habits, people with ADHD have an unusually difficult time losing excess weight once they've gained it.

Does ADHD medication help with anxiety?

Certain attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications can help treat a person's co-occurring anxiety, while others may worsen it. ADHD and anxiety disorders are different conditions with distinct symptoms and presentations. The two conditions may exist together.


Can stopping ADHD meds cause weight gain?

“Clearly, that is not the case.” It could be that kids with the worst ADHD symptoms end up on medication earlier or for longer, and when they go off the medication their ADHD symptoms return and lead to obesity-inducing behaviors, like overeating, he said.

Does metabolism affect ADHD medication?

A slow metabolism will result in a slower burning of ADHD medication, and will require a lower-than-usual dose.

Why do ADHD meds make you less hungry?

That's because stimulant medications also work on the part of the brain that controls hunger. “I'm just not hungry at mealtime,” Ben explains. “It's like taking a diet pill and then sitting down at the table to eat,” says Dr. Larry Silver, Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School.


Does ADHD medication make you tired?

Conclusion: In a group of children with ADHD taking methylphenidate, there was a significant increase in sleepiness a few hours after taking the medication, which may then have a significant impact on their learning.

Do ADHD meds cause depression?

In some cases, a person taking medication for ADHD may show signs of depression, like sad mood, irritability, and a flat affect or facial expressions. These medication side effects can sometimes be confused for depression.

Does ADHD cause overeating?

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be over eaters. Indeed, obesity is five times more prevalent among people with ADHD than those who don't have this condition.


What percent of people with ADHD are overweight?

Decades of research have shown a strong link between obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. A 2019 study suggests that about 70% of adults and 40% of children with ADHD have overweight or obesity than those without ADHD.

Do people with ADHD use more calories?

Thus, this paper shows that despite a notably greater energy expenditure, ADHD kids are not generally leaner, clearly suggesting that they manage to make up for their greater energy needs through higher caloric intake.

How do you diet when you have ADHD?

Other quick tips:
  1. Make sure to eat throughout the day. Don't skip lunch and keep simple, healthy snacks on hand for breaks during the work day.
  2. Keep your favorite fruits on hand. ...
  3. Cook from scratch when you can. ...
  4. Schedule meal times, with reminders, in your calendar or day planner to make sure you take the time to eat.


What is ADHD fatigue?

ADHD can affect motivation. A person may find daily tasks overwhelming and struggle to complete them. This low sense of motivation can feel similar to fatigue, especially if a person feels unable to keep up with their responsibilities.

What are the signs of ADHD in female adults?

Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
  • Impulsiveness.
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing.
  • Poor time management skills.
  • Problems focusing on a task.
  • Trouble multitasking.
  • Excessive activity or restlessness.
  • Poor planning.
  • Low frustration tolerance.


How do people with ADHD stay in shape?

Aerobic exercise.
  1. Running.
  2. Walking briskly.
  3. Biking.
  4. Swimming laps.


Why you shouldn't take meds for ADHD?

Despite the widespread belief that medications for ADHD are relatively safe, the research says otherwise. The research demonstrates that your child will likely have a side effect from the medication. Side effects range from reduced eating and growth, irritability, rage, and personality changes to psychotic behaviors.

Does caffeine cancel out ADHD medication?

Coffee could also reduce the effectiveness of Adderall. It has diuretic properties that could shorten the lifespan of Adderall by prompting the body to remove the drug from its system sooner.