How ADHD, Obesity, and Where You Live Are Connected, Study Finds

A new study suggests that people with ADHD may be more likely to become obese due to reduced physical activity—and that where someone lives can influence this link.

The research, published in PLOS Complex Systems by scientists from New York University and Italy’s National Institute of Health, analyzed data from 915 U.S. cities. It found that both ADHD and obesity are less common in larger cities. The researchers believe this may be because bigger cities tend to offer more access to mental health care, education, and opportunities for physical activity.

The team discovered that in places with limited access to healthy food or safe spaces for exercise, the connection between ADHD and obesity was stronger. Meanwhile, cities with better support systems seemed to weaken this link.

To back up their findings, the researchers also looked at health data from over 19,000 children. They confirmed that children with more severe ADHD symptoms were usually less active and more likely to be overweight.

“This shows how important city planning and access to services are when it comes to public health,” said Dr. Maurizio Porfiri from NYU.

Lead author Tian Gan highlighted what she called a “surprising urban advantage,” noting that larger cities may help reduce both ADHD and obesity rates by providing better mental health care and more chances to be physically active.

Dr. Simone Macrì added that encouraging physical activity in children with ADHD could lead to major long-term health benefits. He also noted that ADHD may affect obesity not only through activity levels but also through biological and behavioral factors—like impulse control and eating habits.

The researchers say their work points to the need for broad, city-level strategies to tackle the obesity crisis, especially in children with attention-related disorders.