Although adolescents with and without ADHD may exhibit similar treatment outcomes, predictors of weight loss success differed, highlighting the importance of tailoring obesity programs according to behavioural and clinical profiles in order to improve obesity treatment among adolescents.
ADHD was present in 19.7% of adolescents followed at a tertiary Adolescent Obesity Clinic.
Overall weight loss success was achieved in 34.9% of the sample, with no significant differences between adolescents with and without ADHD.
Among adolescents with ADHD, psychopathology was negatively associated with weight loss success.
Among adolescents with ADHD, increases in total physical activity were positively associated with weight loss success.
Among adolescents without ADHD, impulsive eating reduced the likelihood of weight loss success while improved eating behaviour increased it.
Predictors of weight loss success differed between adolescents with and without ADHD despite similar overall treatment outcomes.
This research suggests that among teenagers with obesity receiving specialized multidisciplinary care, having ADHD does not necessarily mean worse weight loss outcomes overall. In a study of 269 adolescents aged 12-17 followed for about 17 months at a specialized obesity clinic, roughly 35% achieved meaningful weight loss, and this proportion was similar whether or not the teen had ADHD (which was present in about 1 in 5 participants). However, what predicted success differed importantly between the two groups. For teenagers with ADHD, having additional mental health problems (psychopathology) made success less likely, while increasing physical activity made success more likely. For teenagers without ADHD, eating-related behaviors mattered most — impulsive eating reduced the chances of success, while improvements in eating behavior more than doubled the odds of achieving meaningful weight loss. This research suggests that obesity treatment programs for adolescents should not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Teens with ADHD may benefit most from interventions that address mental health conditions alongside increasing physical activity, while teens without ADHD may benefit most from targeted support around eating behaviors. Recognizing these different pathways to success could help clinicians personalize care and improve outcomes for teenagers struggling with obesity.
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Upload Your LabsVideira-Silva A, de Almeida I, Sendim V, Carmo F, Moeda S, Freira S, et al.. (2026). Impact of ADHD on Obesity Treatment Outcomes in Adolescents Receiving Multidisciplinary Care: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study.. Pediatric obesity. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpo.70145