ADHD Medications Show Lasting Growth Effects Into Adulthood

Large population data suggest long-term stimulant treatment in childhood may be linked to higher adult body weight and subtle changes in height.

Children treated with methylphenidate for ADHD were more likely to have a higher body mass index in adulthood and showed a small but measurable reduction in adult height compared with peers without ADHD, especially with longer treatment duration.

Study Details

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is commonly treated with stimulant medications during childhood and adolescence. While these treatments are effective for managing core symptoms, their long-term effects on physical growth have remained a concern for clinicians and families.

Researchers in South Korea analyzed national health insurance data to better understand whether childhood exposure to methylphenidate is associated with adult weight and height outcomes. The focus was not on short-term growth suppression but on adult body size years after treatment.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea.

The study included over 34,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD between 2008 and 2013, spanning both children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Each participant was matched with individuals without ADHD based on age, sex, and income level.

Methylphenidate exposure was measured using prescription records. Cumulative exposure was grouped into less than one year and one to four years of use. Adult outcomes included body mass index categories and height, using both World Health Organization and Korean population standards.

Key Findings

• Children with ADHD had higher average adult BMI compared with controls without ADHD
• Prolonged methylphenidate use was associated with higher odds of overweight and obesity in adulthood
• The risk of severe obesity increased with longer duration of stimulant treatment
• Height differences between ADHD and non-ADHD groups were small but methylphenidate use was linked to slightly reduced adult height
• Odds of short stature were modestly higher among individuals exposed to methylphenidate

Implications for Practice

For patients and families, these findings suggest that ADHD treatment decisions may have long-term physical health implications beyond symptom control. The observed differences in height were small, but weight-related effects were more pronounced, particularly with extended medication exposure.

For clinicians, the study reinforces the importance of longitudinal monitoring. Regular tracking of growth patterns, nutrition counseling, physical activity promotion, and sleep optimization may help reduce potential risks without compromising ADHD symptom management. The authors emphasize supportive lifestyle strategies rather than altering effective treatment solely due to growth concerns.