Objective: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity are highly prevalent, impairing, and costly conditions, affecting about 10% of children each. Research indicates heightened prevalence of childhood obesity among youth with ADHD. However, more research is needed, examining comorbid ADHD among youth with overweight/obesity (OV/OB) from diverse demographic backgrounds and effects on medically relevant behaviors. The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence of ADHD in a racially diverse sample of youth in a weight management clinic. Furthermore, we examined the effects of race, rurality, and ADHD on weight status and health behaviors in this under-researched population. Method: Participants included 1003 patients (M age 5 12.55; 58% female; 67% Black/African American; M BMI Z-Score 5 2.54; 98.6% with obesity) in a pediatric weight management clinic serving a rural and urban/suburban area in the southern United States. Parent-reported demographics, ADHD diagnosis, and child health behaviors were recorded. Result: In total, 17.6% (n 5 177) of the sample had an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD status interacted with race to predict standardized body mass index (BMIz), and rurality predicted higher BMIz. Children with comorbid ADHD had significantly more meals per day and fewer active days compared with children with OV/OB without ADHD. Conclusion: ADHD prevalence was higher in this diverse sample of children seeking obesity treatment (17.6%) compared with the prevalence nationally (9%-10%) and in other obesity samples. Comorbid ADHD was related to higher weight status among racial minority youth and increased engagement in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors often targeted in weight management treatment. It is critical to screen for ADHD in pediatric specialty clinics and assess healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Objectives: Examine racial differences in disordered eating and parental feeding in youth with obesity. Methods: A diverse sample of 131 treatment-seeking youth (M age = 12.84 years; Range age = 8-18 years; 65.6% African American, 34.4% Caucasian) with obesity (M BMIz = 2.60) completed a disordered eating questionnaire; parents completed a questionnaire about feeding practices. Results: No significant differences in disordered eating between African American and Caucasian youth emerged. Significant differences were found on parent feeding where parents of African American children endorsed more frequent use of pressure to eat, including ensuring and monitoring enough is eaten. Conclusions: Generally, comparisons of disordered eating and parent feeding practices between African American and Caucasian youth with obesity were not significant. Racial differences on some aspects of parental feeding practices were found. Future research should identify cultural factors impacting these differences. Clinical implications include providing culturally sensitive psychoeducation and interventions to address unhealthy feeding practices in diverse families.

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