Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is commonly diagnosed in childhood, and methylphenidate is the most widely prescribed treatment, yet concerns remain regarding its potential effects on growth and body composition. To address this gap, a study evaluated the associations of childhood ADHD prevalence and methylphenidate use with adult body mass index and height, involving 34,850 youths aged 6–11 years. The study found that prepubertal children with ADHD had a higher adjusted mean BMI in adulthood compared with those without ADHD (24.3 vs 23.3), while adult height was not significantly different between groups (167.8 cm vs 167.9 cm).
Individuals with ADHD who received methylphenidate had greater odds of being overweight or obese in adulthood (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.60) and a modestly increased risk of short stature (AOR, 1.08) compared with participants without ADHD. These…
