Can Body Weight Reduction in Obese Children Improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in the Short Term? Clinical and Research Implications

The risk of obesity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is higher than in healthy controls (1). Binge eating does not explain the relation- ship between obesity and ADHD in adulthood (2). Obe- sity prevention programs in children with ADHD should take into consideration factors such as gender and medication use (1). Previous studies have suggested that treatment of ADHD symptoms (such as impulsivity) may reduce weight in children with both ADHD and obesity (3). Herein, we provide evidence supporting a new hy- pothesis on this subject, with clinical implications for treatment of children with ADHD and obesity, as well as implications for future research. Individuals with ADHD are heavier than controls (4). The prevalence of over- weight and obesity among adults with ADHD is higher than that among those without ADHD (33.9% and 29.4%, respectively) (5). Children and adolescents with ADHD