Adult ADHD and Obesity?

[mdraper]

I've done a lot of studying online about adult ADHD as a cause of some of the problems in my life, and it's fallen into a really interesting niche that would almost call for some studies.

Anyone know if there have been any studies on the correlation of adult ADHD to obesity?

9 times out of 10, I used to make poor eating decisions based on spur of the moment thinking, not wanting to consider any of the endgame outcomes, and after doing this for years I developed a pattern of very self defeating behaviors.

[BBARB]

It is actually seen that the majority of obese are also perfectionist (ocd ) nit all eprfectionist become obese, but it is quite an interesting correlation. I am sure there are papers out. Look in pubmed.

[mdraper]

I'm a software engineer (Programmer), I'm the typical mad scientist type that has absolutely no organizational skill, barely remembers to pay the bills or most mundane tasks.. I've been called a slob, lazy, absent-minded. But there are areas of my life that transcend perfectionism, specifically with regards to my work which I hold to a stringent standard.. or in my video game life I also have very specific metrics and qualifications that must be met in order to be deemed acceptable. If it isn't work or isn't play.. it's deemed trivial nonsense and tossed aside. I have difficulty forming healthy routines because in the beginning the routine has enough priority but over time the priority slips and I end up just forgetting about it altogether.


This is bad.

[glaciereux]

You sound exactly like me. (but I am not a scientist)
I have been diagnosed with bi-polar ADHD like 8 years ago. Instead of saying we don't want to think of the outcomes, our brain always skips the thinking and do it first. A common pattern with ADHD people is they cannot really stay seated for very long at work unless it is so so so interesting.
When I was working in my first boring job 10 years ago, I unconsciously or you can say religiously walked to the pantry every 30-45 min just to open the fridge, or look at the drinks cabinet, re-looking at the pathetic options of coffee, tea and expired biscuits for tenth billion time. I always smack myself mentally like why did I walk here again even though ....I knew there is nothing to eat or I knew I shouldn't be eating that.

We just do, think later if we do not take medication.

I forgot was it my first psychiatrist or I read it somewhere, ADHD often come with other compulsive behaviours such as eating, drinking, shopping, sex and drugs.

I have the exact same problem wrt routines and rules. I am the sort who ask like "I read that aspartame also makes people fat"

[Grace]

I'm a software engineer (Programmer), I'm the typical mad scientist type that has absolutely no organizational skill, barely remembers to pay the bills or most mundane tasks.. I've been called a slob, lazy, absent-minded. But there are areas of my life that transcend perfectionism, specifically with regards to my work which I hold to a stringent standard.. or in my video game life I also have very specific metrics and qualifications that must be met in order to be deemed acceptable. If it isn't work or isn't play.. it's deemed trivial nonsense and tossed aside. I have difficulty forming healthy routines because in the beginning the routine has enough priority but over time the priority slips and I end up just forgetting about it altogether.


This is bad.

I would then highly suggest you think of taking care of yourself as work. It is, after all, part of your work to be in top shape mentally and physically to do your job well.

[Butterfly17]

I do believe that ADHD has allot to do with overeating ... or rather eating while experiencing boredom ...for those of us who have ADHD, like myself, probably find it difficult to relax, so most definitely 'hand to mouth gratification' allows us to fidget, yet remain seated. I have read allot of studies done at Cornell and Harvard University and have found that to be a big component in obesity and overeating .

Following my procedure I will not watch any tv and will count to occupy my brain while chewing. I will eat prior to functions and chew on spry gum which was said to be ok. I dont really go out to eat other then to grab sashimi once a month or when im in the mood so i am not concerned with foods that hold high protein such as that ...

I also read that crunchy raw veggies, masticated, help with adhd as well.

Best of all , Meal preparation and labeling for the entire week will make things much easier ... I function much better with discipline such as that which leaves no room for excuses. I purchased a mini fridge and placed it in a separate room with my food for the week and purchased whats called a 6PACK BAG to organize my meals to carry around through out the day ( kept cold) .... they are about $100....

WE ARE GRAZERS!!! WE HAVE A CHOICE TO SET OURSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS, OR FOR FAILURE


XXOXOXO Alison

[Dailyhealth408]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was younger. My mom even ended up putting me on Ritalin. As an adult, I still suffer from ADHD and find it very hard to sit still, even as I'm typing this. What I found works for me whenever I start getting really antsy, is to simply go for a long run or hike. Working out, swimming, and sports help as well. If you direct you sudden bursts of energy towards working out or doing something productive instead of eating, it can really help. Exercise also helps combat depression, which can sometimes arise from ADHD or bi-polar disorder. I've been doing this for a while now and found that it really helps..

[ShrinkingEvy]

I have ADHD and I'm bipolar. I actually wasn't diagnosed with the ADHD until I started school this past fall. I always had suspicions considering my family history but it wasn't an issue until I was trying to use my brain. I do fully think that my impulsiveness from ADHD has played a huge part along with my emotional eating to getting to be the size that I was pre op. That is just my take on it. I'm unaware of any studies done on it yet though.