New research suggests that young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at greater risk of developing obesity, with the effect becoming more pronounced as they age. The study, conducted in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), examined the relationship between ADHD, obesity, and hypertension among young adults, revealing significant associations between combined-type ADHD and central obesity. The findings were published in the American Journal of Human Biology.
Researchers from the University of Delhi and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences studied 1,537 participants aged 18 to 25, using standardised assessments to measure ADHD symptoms, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure. The findings indicated that individuals with combined-type ADHD had a 2.4-fold higher likelihood of central obesity, as measured by waist circumference, and a 1.9-fold increased likelihood based on waist-to-height ratio.
Naorem Kiranmala Devi,PhD, and associate professor at the University of Delhi, emphasised the broader significance of these findings. “Adult ADHD, one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders today, has not been adequately explored in the Indian context. While its association with mental health conditions is well established, its connection to physical health conditions remains largely unexamined. Gaining insights into this link can yield important outcomes, aiding in both the management of ADHD symptoms and the mitigation of associated health risks.”
While no statistically significant link was found between ADHD and high blood pressure, trends suggested that hypertension could become more common in individuals with ADHD as they grow older. According to Devi, “The effect of ADHD on obesity intensifies with age, underscoring the need for early intervention. While no significant association was found with hypertension, trends suggest an increased risk with ageing. These results highlight the necessity of integrating ADHD diagnosis into obesity management programmes to mitigate long-term health risks.”
The study highlights the complex relationship between ADHD and obesity. Researchers have suggested that impulsivity and behavioural disinhibition in ADHD may contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and difficulty maintaining structured routines, both of which can lead to weight gain. Previous research has pointed to a potential overlap in neurobiological mechanisms, including dysfunction in dopamine regulation, which could make individuals with ADHD more prone to obesity.
The findings also suggest that the impact of ADHD on obesity is not immediate but intensifies with age. Among participants aged 24 to 25, the proportion of overweight or obese individuals with ADHD was significantly higher than among those without the condition. This trend aligns with existing research indicating that ADHD symptoms can complicate self-regulation in adulthood, making it more difficult for affected individuals to maintain a healthy weight.
Gender differences were also observed in the study. Women with ADHD were more likely to have increased waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios compared to men, indicating a potential sex-specific vulnerability. This aligns with previous research suggesting that women with ADHD may face greater challenges in weight management due to differences in hormonal regulation and behavioural patterns.
Although the study did not establish a definitive causal link between ADHD and hypertension, researchers noted that blood pressure levels among participants with ADHD appeared to rise with age. Some studies have suggested that underlying autonomic nervous system dysfunction and difficulties with impulse control in ADHD could contribute to increased hypertension risk over time. However, further longitudinal research is needed to determine the long-term effects.
Devi also highlighted the future direction of this research, stating, “In the near future, we aim to further investigate additional biosocial correlates, specifically the mental health and physical health implications of adult ADHD within the study cohort in Delhi-NCR. These findings will help shape targeted intervention studies in the future, providing valuable insights to mitigate the risks associated with ADHD.”
