The Importance of Early Interventions in Childhood Obesity – Two

I'm Paulina Labiska, Professor in Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics at Uppsala University in Sweden.

So what are neurodevelopmental disorders, NDDs?

NDDs are brain-based conditions that begin in childhood and influence how children learn, communicate and interact with the world.

In this 5-minute CPD, I'll focus on two of the most common NDDs, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, in the context of obesity in children.

Let's start with ADHD.

ADHD affects about 5% of children and is more frequently diagnosed in boys.

Key symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing, often leading to challenges in daily life, such as disorganization, forgetfulness, and emotional regulation difficulties.

ADHD symptoms can also impact thinking, problem solving, memory, and self-control.

Children with ADHD are more likely to have obesity, a pattern seen in studies across the world, especially in Europe and Asia.

It is not a coincidence.

Symptoms like impulsivity and poor time management can disrupt regular eating routines, lead to skipped meals or last-minute food choices.

Children with ADHD may also struggle with physical activity routines, which can contribute to weight gain.

So how do we treat obesity in children with ADHD?

Managing obesity in children with ADHD requires a holistic and flexible approach.

Interventions often combine education, behavior therapy, and sometimes medication.

It is important to tailor treatment plans to the child's mental and emotional needs.

ADHD medications, while helpful for behavior, may reduce appetite or disrupt sleep, side effects that require monitoring.

These appetite changes often lessen over time and can be managed by adjusting timing or dosage. involving families in the treatment plan and offering practical support is essential.

Now let's talk about autism spectrum disorder, ASD.

ASD affects about 1% of children and is also more common in boys.

Core characteristics include difficulties with social communication, restricted interest and repetitive behaviour.

Many children with ASD also have strong preferences, rigid mealtime routines, and sensory sensitivities that affect what and how they eat.

Children with AUSD are more likely to have obesity than their peers.

Recent studies suggest that roughly one in five children with autism is affected, and overall they may be around one and a half times more likely to have obesity.

This may be due to limited food variety, preference for energy-dense foods, low activity levels, and difficulties with change.

There is a strong overlap between ADHD and ASD.

For example, a child with ASD might struggle with attention and impulsivity, while a child with ADHD could show social and sensory traits linked to ASD.

Children with NDDs are overrepresented in specialist obesity clinics.

Early signs of NDDs in young patients with obesity may signal more treatment-resistant cases.

Many also have parents with similar conditions, which may influence their home environment, routines, and capacity for change.

But behind these clinical observations are families navigating daily life with these challenges.

To better understand their needs, we can turn to what parents themselves say about raising a child with both a neurodevelopmental disorder and obesity.

In interviews, parents describe unique and often overlooked challenges.

These are sensory sensitivities, emotional eating and medication side effects that can complicate nutrition.

Many parents feel that standard obesity management advice doesn't meet their child's needs.

They often have to choose their battles, prioritizing emotional regulation over dietary goals.

This highlights the need for inclusive programs and personalized support that considers both new developmental challenges and weight-related concerns.

I'm Paulina Wiska for 5MinutesCPT.

Thanks for watching.

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