ADHD And Overeating: Understanding The Link Between Disorders

The following article contains content about eating disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST).

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting approximately 366 million adults and 129 million children and adolescents worldwide. For individuals who have ADHD, its core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can have a far-reaching impact on many areas of daily life. 

For example, inattention and lack of focus can create challenges around organization and time management. Impulsive behaviors can create social barriers. Hyperactivity can cause problems following through on tasks and assignments at work or school. 

ADHD symptoms can impact an individual's life in other ways, too, including in areas of self-care, like sleeping and eating habits. Those with ADHD may be more prone to overeating and binge eating due to factors like impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and sensory-seeking behaviors. It can be helpful to keep a food diary, practice meal planning and mindful eating, and work with a licensed mental health professional.

Overeating vs. binge eating disorder (BED)

Overeating doesn’t necessarily mean you have binge eating disorder (BED). Binge eating is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) dictionary as "consuming abnormally large quantities of food in a discrete period with a concurrent sense of loss of control."

It may be relevant to mention that studies indicate a potential relationship between ADHD and binge eating disorder.

The relationship between ADHD and overeating

Studies indicate a potential relationship between ADHD and binge eating disorder. The reasons one may overeat in connection with ADHD may be numerous, typically involving biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Not all individuals with an ADHD diagnosis will experience overeating, and the severity and manifestation of overeating behaviors can vary widely among individuals.

While there doesn’t seem to be a direct causal relationship between ADHD and overeating, several factors can contribute to an increased risk of overeating in individuals with ADHD.

• Impulsivity: Individuals with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, which can lead to difficulty with controlling eating behaviors. Impulsive eating may lead to overeating as individuals act on cravings or urges without considering the consequences. 
• Emotion dysregulation: ADHD is often associated with challenges related to emotion regulation, which can sometimes lead to emotional eating as a coping mechanism. Stress, frustration, and boredom tend to be common factors for overeating in ADHD. 
• Reward system dysfunction: ADHD is frequently associated with changes in the brain's reward system, which can lead to differences in how individuals respond to food rewards. Some research suggests that individuals with ADHD may be more sensitive to the rewarding aspects of food, potentially increasing the likelihood of overeating. 
• Sensory-seeking behaviors: Similarly, dopaminergic dysfunction in the ADHD brain may increase the need for sensory stimulation beyond taste. The sight, smell, and texture of food can provide that type of stimulation, potentially causing a tendency to overeat among individuals with ADHD.
• "Analysis paralysis":Some people with ADHD find too many options paired with an overload of information to be particularly overwhelming. Nutritional information on proper portions and a healthy diet can create such feelings, possibly leading to a hyper focused "all-or-nothing" approach regarding decisions around eating. 
• Medication side effects: While stimulant medications often prescribed for ADHD can act as appetite suppressants, affecting appetite and weight regulation, some individuals may experience increased appetite and weight gain. 
• Comorbidities: ADHD often co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, that may influence an individual to use overeating as a means of coping with emotional distress.

Eating disorders associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Research suggests that people with ADHD may be at a greater risk for developing eating disorders (most commonly binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa) than those without ADHD. The reasons for this can vary, but there may be psychological commonalities in eating disorders that explain the connection with ADHD, such as a compulsive, excessive preoccupation with food and weight or body shape. 

Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder is usually characterized by episodes of binge eating in which an individual eats a large quantity of food in a brief period. They may sense a loss of control over their behavior, which can lead to emotional distress. A person engaging in binge eating may overeat even when they aren’t hungry until they're uncomfortable, or they may eat rapidly without restraint. Psychologically, they might be affected by shame, guilt, and depression after binging. They may eat alone due to embarrassment or shame over their eating behaviors. 

Bulimia nervosa

Like binge eating, people with bulimia nervosa tend to eat a large amount of food in a short period (binging). However, this is often followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as fasting, vomiting (purging), compulsive exercise, or laxative misuse. Behavioral signs of bulimia may include concealed eating behaviors or avoiding eating with others, frequent bathroom trips after eating, and the misuse of laxatives, diet pills, and diuretics.

Physical signs might include persistent sore throat, swollen glands, heartburn or acid reflux, dental decay, fainting and dizziness, and dehydration. Emotional distress, including shame, embarrassment, guilt, and depression, can also be common. 

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is normally characterized by dieting behaviors that result in self-starvation and, often, dangerous weight loss. People with anorexia may lose weight by severely restricting food intake, fasting, or compulsive exercising. Some people with anorexia may also engage in binge eating and purging behaviors. 

People with anorexia may experience severe bloating, constipation, muscle weakness, and chronic fatigue. They might also experience dizziness and fainting due to dehydration, brittle hair and nails, and an intolerance to cold. 

Individuals with anorexia may misuse diet drugs and experience psychological distress like irritability, depression, and anxiety. 

The potential consequences of overeating

The potential physiological and psychological impacts of chronic overeating can be many, ranging from cardiovascular disease to poor self-esteem. 

Physical effects of eating disorders

• Weight gain/obesity:Frequent overeating typically leads to the consumption of more calories than the body needs, often resulting in unhealthy weight gain and potential obesity. Obesity tends to increase the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, type two diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. 
• Digestive issues:Overeating can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, indigestion, and gas. It can also lead to conditions like acid reflux and gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).
• Nutritional deficiencies: In some cases, overeating involves consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods while neglecting nutrient-rich options. This can result in deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being. 
• Hunger regulation disruption:Chronic overeating of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat can disrupt the body's hunger regulation system by altering the production of the hormones that control hunger and fullness cues. 
• Metabolic syndrome: Overeating a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to metabolic syndrome, which can be defined as a group of conditions like high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and excess fat around the waist. Metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of type two diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. 
• Brain function impairment:Although more research may be needed to understand the connection entirely, there is some evidence that overeating and obesity can contribute to impaired cognitive function in older adults.
• Cardiovascular problems: Overeating and obesity are usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Excess body weight can strain the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to hypertension (high blood pressure) and other cardiovascular complications.

Mental and emotional impacts of binge eating disorder or overeating

• Low self-esteem and poor body image: Individuals who overeat uncontrollably may experience negative feelings about their bodies, possibly contributing to low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. 
• Social isolation and loneliness:Overeating and eating disorders sometimes lead to social withdrawal and isolation due to feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. This can be due to perceived flaws in appearance or over the behaviors themselves.
• Trouble with interpersonal relationships: Emotional difficulties and behaviors associated with uncontrollable overeating can sometimes strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
• Risk of anxiety and depression:Whether as a symptom of an eating disorder or as associated with ADHD (or both), overeating can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. The psychological distress associated with these conditions can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
• Risk of substance use disorder:Some individuals who overeat chronically or have an eating disorder may turn to substances or alcohol to cope with emotional distress or to suppress appetite. Research also indicates a potential link between ADHD and substance use disorders. 

Eating disorder management

Managing overeating in individuals with ADHD may require a combination of behavioral interventions, dietary modifications, psychotherapy, and planning to address underlying physical, emotional, and cognitive factors.

Here are a few strategies to consider:

Monitoring and awareness

Keeping a food diary can help you become more aware of your eating habits. Writing down everything you eat and drink, along with the surrounding circumstances (like emotions and time of day), can help you identify patterns for overeating.

Mindful eating

Practicing mindful eating generally involves paying attention to the sensations of eating and being fully present during meals. This can help you identify hunger and satiety cues and potentially prevent overeating. 

Meal planning

Meal planning and prepping ahead of time can help control eating and promote a balanced diet that may stabilize blood sugar and reduce the likelihood of cravings and overeating. Consulting with a nutritionist or your physician is recommended for assistance in developing a healthy eating plan tailored to your unique nutritional needs.

Some people with ADHD struggle with time management and inattention, potentially increasing the likelihood of skipping meals. Developing a structured eating schedule can help you regulate hunger hormones and prevent excessive snacking or overeating later due to hunger associated with missing mealtimes. 

Stress management for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Stress often leads to overeating for many people. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, hobbies, or therapy, can reduce the likelihood of turning to food for comfort.

Struggling with ADHD and overeating?

Try online therapy to restore balance

Support and therapy for people with ADHD and overeating disorders

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are often used to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to overeating, such as emotional eating or disordered eating patterns. Joining support groups or therapy groups for individuals struggling with overeating can provide a sense of community, accountability, and additional coping strategies.

It can be vital for people with ADHD who regularly overeat to speak with a mental health professional about their concerns. When unaddressed, uncontrolled overeating can lead to more severe issues like obesity, poor physical health, and eating disorders. 

People with ADHD, especially those who regularly overeat, may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional about their concerns. When unaddressed, uncontrolled overeating can lead to more severe issues like obesity, poor physical health, and eating disorders.

Interventions like CBT can be effective in treating eating disorders and reducing unhealthy behaviors associated with ADHD, such as overeating. While it might not be appropriate in every case, many people choose to speak to an online therapist.

Because they can eliminate geographical barriers, online therapy platforms typically enable individuals to connect with a broader pool of mental health professionals with experience in treating ADHD and eating disorders. Virtual therapy can provide the convenience and flexibility for individuals to schedule sessions according to their unique needs and lifestyles from the comfort of home via video conference, online chat, or phone. 

Online treatment is often less expensive than conventional therapy without insurance, and a growing body of research also shows that online CBT and self-help interventions with therapeutic support tend to be just as effective as traditional methods for treating binge eating disorder and ADHD.