Hello Doctor,
I have noticed a significant change in my child's eating habits since they started taking Concerta for ADHD. Previously, the medication seemed to curb their appetite, but now they constantly want to eat. I am uncertain whether this increase in eating is a symptom of their condition or if it could be related to an eating disorder. My child tends to overeat and believes they are hungry all the time.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
There are various types of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder (BED). Among these, binge eating disorder is the one that most frequently coexists with ADHD and is the most prevalent eating disorder.
While ADHD medication usually causes a loss of appetite rather than an increase, it's essential to consult with your prescribing physician. Engaging in physical activity or sports can be beneficial for children dealing with these conditions.
Thanks