Abstract

ADHD and its effect on children nutritional status.

Introduction

Although ADHD is often seen as an increased in activity that cause an increased in energy expenditure,
there are a lot of study that shows ADHD will increased the risk of obesity in children. In clinical
practice, ther are a lot of children with ADHD, found to have weight more, and several studies shows
that children with clinical diagnosis of ADHD, tend to have more weight than the rest of children.1,2,3

Method

This study examined the body mass index and nutritional status of common preschool population and
it’s relationship with the score of Indonesian children Hyperactivity scale4, and its diagnosis with ADHD.
Using Indonesian children Hyperactivity scale this study aims find ADHD prevalence in preschool
population in Semarang as a pilot study. Participants were 150 preschool children from one
kindergarten aged 4 – 6 years old. Data of Indonesian children Hyperactivity scale score were collected
from the teachers that teach each class, while we asked parrents who were willing to fill the same
questionaires. Children nutritional status were analized using WHO’s Z score on BMI and age.
 Body Mass Index
and Nutritional
Height
Status

Growth

Genetics

Other Weight

Provided Food Intake Physical Activity

Appetite Hyperactivity

ADHD Dopamin and

Norepinephrine
Dysfunction

Results

There were 75 parents who were willing to fill the questionaire. The data of height and weight of these
children were collected from the school that takes routine check on their growth and nutritional status
of the children. Twelve out of 75 children were confirmed ADHD from the questionaire by their
parrents and their teacher. There is a significant correlation of status of ADHD in children and their
nutritional status (p= 0,021). Prevalence rate of overwheight and obese for children with ADHD is 2,04,
while prevalence rate of obese children with ADHD is 3,9.
 Results
Gender
Female 35
P = 0,312
Male 40
Nutrition Status
Underwheight 6
Healthy Weight 44
P = 0,021
Overwheight 11
Obese 14

Conclusion

ADHD has its own effect on nutritional status in children, and need to be considered and attended by
clinicians for further care.

Reference:

1. Fliers, Ellen A, et all. “ADHD is a risk factor for overweight and obesity in children”, J Dev Behav
Pediatr. 2013 October ; 34(8)
2. Schwartz, Brian S, et all. “Attention Deficit Disorder, Stimulant Use, and Childhood Body Mass
Index Trajectory”, Pediatrics. 2014;133:668-676
3. Campbell BC, Eisenberg D. “Obesity, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and the
dopaminergic system.”. Coll Antropol. 2007 Mar;31(1):33-8
4. Saputro D. ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Jakarta: Sagung Seto;
2009