5 Signs Your Child's Food Struggles Might Be ADHD

ADHD and food struggles can go hand in hand. Some children can be prone to overeating, while others can be so busy or unable to focus that they forget to eat.We know attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain eating disorders.One study found adolescents with ADHD have a 41% increased likelihood of developing disordered eating behaviours compared to those without it.Another found 20% of children with ADHD go on to develop eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Dr Jillian Lampert, executive director of the Emily Program Foundation, told HuffPost UK it’s not quite clear why there’s a link.“But the prevailing theories are related to impulsivity leading to overeating, change in circadian rhythm/sleep that changes appetite, and medication impacting eating behaviours,” the eating disorders expert noted.Here, Dr Lampert walks us through some of the common red flags that a child or teen with ADHD might be struggling with eating, and how parents can support them.Common eating ‘red flags’ among kids with ADHDDr Lampert, a registered dietitian, said there are certain eating behaviours she feels are red flags in children with ADHD “because they signal impulsivity and disconnection from internal [hunger] signals”.“Ideally, we want children and adults to be able to eat when they are hungry, eat a variety of appealing foods that contribute to nutritional balance, and stop eating when they are satisfied,” she explained.“Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity and lack of connection with their body signals, so they may not know if they are hungry or full.”With this in mind, here are five ‘red flags’ parents need to be aware of, according to the expert:Eating very quicklyEating in a way that has an out of control feeling to itEating when already full; eating or finishing food just because it’s present rather than because of hunger or nutritionEating very little during the day and then eating large amounts in the evening, particularly for those on ADHD medicationsUnexpected weight change, up or down, that isn’t associated with growth, which can indicate disruption with eating.I’ve noticed these signs in my child – now what? If you notice any of these, Dr Lampert suggested supporting your child with a routine that includes regular meals without distractions (phones, TVs, gaming, etc) and “in a setting that promotes checking in with hunger and fullness cues”.It can also help to offer choice about what to eat, and give kids the opportunity to practice portioning amounts to eat – you could have a buffet-style setup in the middle of the dining table, for example, so children can serve themselves the amount they think they are hungry for, with the ability to go back for more if they are still hungry after. “This kind of slowing down and checking in with their body can help build and support the neural pathways in the brain that help children self-regulate their food intake, especially in children that struggle with impulsivity,” she explained.It might also help to ask questions, like: “How hungry is your body feeling right now?” on a simple scale “from the hungriest ever to not really hungry” – this can help them check in with how their body is feeling, said Dr Lampert.“Then, as they are eating and starting to slow in their food intake and/or pace, asking ‘how satisfied is your body feeling right now?’ on the same kind of simple scale from ‘still hungry to the most full ever’ can help them to recognise fullness and when to stop eating.”Family Action said using smaller plates and bowls can help kids with portion control – as can having lots of smaller meals throughout the day. This “can be appealing to children who find it hard to stop moving long enough to sit at a table and can actually be a good option as long as the snacks are nutritious”.The charity also advises keeping snacks and leftovers out of sight so kids are “less likely to help themselves”.And it’s not just food-based tweaks which can help. Getting quality sleep and also adequate levels of exercise each week is important – on the latter, the NHS said kids aged five to 18 should aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity a day.“Given that activity impacts sleep and sleep impacts appetite, a key step that parents can take to support their children is to facilitate adequate activity and regular sleep routines which contribute to maintaining a natural circadian rhythm,” added Dr Lampert.Regular activity can help improve sleep quality and the likelihood of maintaining a positive sleep routine. In contrast, sedentary patterns and even excessive activity “can contribute to disrupted, inadequate, and irregular sleep patterns that often lead people to feel hungrier and seek foods with more rapid energy because the body is tired and more quickly processed fuel gives us short bursts of alertness”.Lastly, if your child’s on a medication that impacts their eating behaviours, Dr Lampert suggested “implementing a routine for eating while on medication and eating while off medication can minimise the kind of overeating or loss of control eating some kids feel, while not making them feel overly full eating on medication”. Per Family Action, if your child’s ADHD medication wears off in the evenings and they become hungry, it might help to have plenty of healthy snacks available and to also have lots of activities on offer so your child doesn’t feel the need to be eating. The charity advises: cycling around the block, contacting a friend, reading a chapter of a book or walking the dog. Sticker and puzzle books can also be a great distraction.And if you’re worried about your child’s eating patterns, or it’s impacting their day-to-day life, don’t be afraid to reach out for professional support – whether that’s your GP, an eating disorder charity, or a mental health expert.Help and support:Beat: Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677 and Youthline: 0808 801 0711, or email [email protected] (adults) [email protected] (youth support) Samaritans: Open 24 hours a day, on 116 123Mind: Open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393 Related...I'm An ADHD Coach – Parents Should Ask Schools These 3 Crucial Questions9 Signs Your Forgetfulness Could Actually Be Adult ADHDI Was One Of The First People Ever In The UK To Be Diagnosed With ADHD

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