Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Obesity Association: A Systematic Review

Objective: Studies about Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity associations have been increasing in recent years. In this review, potential relationship between ADHD and obesity is aimed to be examined systematically in light of the literature.Methods: Based on DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria, written in English and/or Turkish except the case reports, sistematic rewievs and meta-analysis published in the PUBMED database between January 1990 and December 2017 are included in the study.Results: Evidence based on emprical analysis suggests that subjects with ADHD are heavier than expected. Moreover, nearly all reviewed studies indicate that the prevalence of ADHD in obese patients, especially those treated in obesity clinics, may be higher than expected. When we look at the underlying mechanisms of the potential relationship between ADHD and obesity, ADHD can lead to obesity through abnormal eating behaviors, impulsivity associated with eating disorders in obese patients may contribute to ADHD, or underlying co-mechanisms (neurobiological dysfunctions, etc.) may lead to the coexistence of these two disorders.Conclusion: Further empirical studies are needed to understand the potential comorbidity between obesity and ADHD, as well as the possible mechanisms underlying this association. Future studies will be useful in regulating the health policies and increasing the quality of life for ADHD and obesity, both of which are high-risk morbidity