Non-medical use of ADHD stimulants for appetite suppression and weight loss

Abstract

The non-medical use of prescription stimulants is a public health concern. Medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a side effect of appetite suppression and some college students misuse stimulants for weight loss. These individuals are more likely to report appearance-related motivations, stress-related eating, poorer body image, unhealthy weight loss behaviours (e.g. smoking cigarettes), and eating disorder symptomatology (e.g. vomiting). This is concerning given the emphasis many young adults place on body image. Stimulant medication may seem like an easy way to lose weight. Future research should assess other young adult samples, adolescents, and situations that promote this behaviour.