The Moderating Role of Body Dissatisfaction in the Relationship between ADHD Symptoms and Disordered Eating in Pediatric Overweight and Obesity

Background: Identifying factors linked to disordered eating in overweight and obesity (OV/OB) may provide a better understanding of youth at risk for disordered eating. This project examined whether ADHD symptoms and body dissatisfaction were associated with disordered eating.

Methods: ADHD symptoms, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction were assessed in 220 youth ages 7-12 who were OV/OB.

Results: Multiple linear regressions showed that body dissatisfaction and ADHD symptoms were associated with disordered eating.

Discussion: Children with ADHD symptoms and OV/OB may be at greater risk for disordered eating when highly dissatisfied with their bodies. Healthcare providers should assess body image and disordered eating in youth with comorbid OV/OB and ADHD.