How to Prevent ADHD Weight Loss

Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often prescribed stimulant medications. While these medications can be very effective in treating ADHD, they also often have side effects that can be worrisome for parents, including appetite suppression and resultant weight loss. Stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD include Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrin, Focalin, Methylin, Ritalin, Vyvanse and Desoxyn. If your child is on one of these medications, you will need to monitor her weight regularly and be proactive in diet planning.

Things You'll Need

  • Healthy foods
  • Bathroom scale

Instructions

    • 1
      See your doctor regularly to monitor weight loss.

      See your doctor to establish a starting weight. Follow up with the doctor once a month so he can monitor weight loss and make medication adjustments. Weigh your child regularly at home, and report a loss of several pounds to your doctor.

    • 2
      A healthy breakfast fuels your child for the day.

      Make breakfast the biggest meal of the day. "Appetite suppression (particularly at lunch) can be handled by 'frontloading' the child with a large breakfast," says Dr. Martin L. Kutscher in a 2010 interview with "Consumer Reports."

      Because the medication is taken in the morning with breakfast, the appetite-suppression effect will not have kicked in yet. Your child's healthy breakfast should include more calories than usual to make up for for what will likely be a light lunch.

      In addition to providing extra calories, a healthy breakfast fuels your child's brain for focus and concentration during the day. Ensure that the breakfast includes whole grains, protein and a fruit or vegetable.

    • 3
      Smoothies and shakes provide extra nutrition.

      Provide healthy snacks. This is especially important for the child with ADHD because he is unlikely to eat much during the noon meal. Healthy snacks include fruit and energy bars, nuts, fruit with peanut butter, sandwiches, cheese, fruit smoothies and yogurt. Dr. Larry Silver suggests supplement drinks in an "ADDitute" magazine article. "Another way to make sure your child is getting adequate nutrition is to offer a food supplement drink instead of nutritionally empty snacks--or in place of a meal that is likely to go uneaten. These tasty beverages, such as Pediasure and Ensure, come in different flavors. They can be made into milk shakes or frozen to make pops."

    • 4

      Consider non-stimulant medication if weight loss continues to be a problem.

      According to WebMD, stimulants are the primary drug for treating ADHD, but they don't work for everyone. If the appetite-suppression is intolerable and your child is losing too much weight, talk to your doctor about trying a non-stimulant.

      As of 2010, two non-stimulants have been approved by the FDA. These are Strattera and Intuniv. Your doctor can help you determine if a non-stimulant is best for your child.

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