Child ADHD and autistic traits, eating behaviours and weight:A population-based study

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: ADHDHigh, ASDHigh, ADHD+ASDHigh and REF (reference group: ADHD+ASDLow). 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 + ASDHigh 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). ASDHigh children were more food avoidant, while ADHDHigh children had more food approach behaviours and greater BMIz. ADHDHigh 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.