Can an active lifestyle reduce the risk of obesity in adulthood among adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms? An ambispective cohort study

Citation

García-Hermoso, Antonio; Ezzatvar, Yasmin; Izquierdo, Mikel; & López-Gil, José Francisco (2024). Can an active lifestyle reduce the risk of obesity in adulthood among adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms? An ambispective cohort study. Psychiatry Research. vol. 334

Abstract

Various studies have associated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with obesity, but the role of physical activity in this connection is uncertain. This study examined whether adopting an active lifestyle can mitigate the link between adolescent ADHD and the risk of adult obesity. Longitudinal data from the Add Health Study (Waves I, III, and V) were used. Participants self-reported ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, combined) during Wave III and self-assessed their recent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. An "active lifestyle" required meeting activity criteria in both adolescence (Wave I) and adulthood (Wave III-V). Of 2609 participants, 1.42 % exhibited combined ADHD symptoms. A non-linear relationship was observed between inattentive/hyperactive scores and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Individuals with ≥ 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms had higher BMI (1.29 kg/m²) and WC (1.27 cm) at adulthood. Logistic regressions indicate that, compared to individuals without ADHD maintaining an active lifestyle, both inactive participants with and without ADHD show an elevated risk of obesity (odds ratio [OR]=1.56 to 2.63) and abdominal obesity in adulthood (OR = 1.51 to 2.50). Mediation analysis models further confirm these findings, suggesting that physical activity may explain this association. Though exact mechanisms warrant further exploration, adopting an active lifestyle offers promise for reducing obesity risk among individuals with ADHD symptoms.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115770

Keyword(s)

Hyperactivity/impulsivity

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Psychiatry Research

Author(s)

García-Hermoso, Antonio
Ezzatvar, Yasmin
Izquierdo, Mikel
López-Gil, José Francisco

Year Published

2024

Volume Number

334

Edition

April 01, 2024

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115770

Reference ID

10299