A new study has found a link between ADHD and obesity in girls.
An alarming new report has linked obesity to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — and even more alarming is the fact that so many parents may not even know their child is at risk.
A study from the Mayo Clinic involved 1,000 people and found that girls with ADHD were twice as likely to be obese as girls who did not have the condition, and scientists don’t think it has anything to do with treatments like Ritalin or Adderall commonly used to combat ADHD, according to a Healthday report. That means it’s even more important for parents to be proactive in preventing obesity if their child has ADHD, and yet so many parents don’t know that their child is suffering from it.
The National Institute of Mental Health has a few ways for parents to spot ADHD in their child, and therefore take the necessary steps to treat it.
Children with ADHD tend to get distracted quite easily and forget things, or they jump between different activities or have trouble focusing. They tend to daydream, miss completing their chores or homework, and misplace their toys. They are very talkative and they tend to fidget and run around, and show general impatience. They might even suddenly say something inappropriate or act out emotionally.
Mothers who are most at risk of having a child with ADHD include those who smoke or drink during pregnancy. Children who are exposed to lead or other toxic substances, or had a low birth weight, are more at risk of getting ADHD. It can also be brought on by extreme neglect or abuse.
If you suspect your child has ADHD, set up an appointment with your doctor to confirm it. Then, your child may be given medication, assigned some behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two.
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