Child <scp>ADHD</scp> and autistic traits, eating behaviours and weight: A population‐based study
Holly A. Harris, April Bowling, Susana Santos, Kirstin Greaves‐Lord, Pauline W. Jansen
Abstract
Summary Background Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have an increased obesity risk. Although these conditions commonly co‐occur, shared factors relating to obesity risk are unknown. Objectives To examine the shared and unique associations of ADHD and autistic traits with eating behaviours and BMI. Methods Children ( N = 4134) from the population‐based Generation R Study were categorized into subgroups based on parent‐reported ADHD and autistic traits scores at 6 years: ADHD High , ASD High , ADHD+ASD High and REF (reference group: ADHD+ASD Low ). Multiple linear regressions examined the associations between subgroups and eating behaviours (at 10 years) and BMIz (at 14 years), relative to REF. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of subgroup and BMIz through eating behaviours. Results ADHD + ASD High children expressed both food approach (increased food responsiveness and emotional overeating) and avoidant eating behaviours (increased emotional undereating, satiety responsiveness/ slowness in eating and picky eating, and decreased enjoyment in food). ASD High children were more food avoidant, while ADHD High children had more food approach behaviours and greater BMIz. ADHD High and BMIz were indirectly associated with food responsiveness and emotional overeating. Conclusions ADHD and autistic trait phenotypes show distinct associations with potential obesity risk factors, and further research is needed to improve targeted early intervention.