Even though I am writing this blog to help other kids who have ADHD feel more comfortable I still feel embarrassed to write about this topic: ADHD and weight loss in children. I have lost weight since starting ADHD medication and I feel too skinny. Losing weight is one of the side effects of ADHD medication in children. I am going to tell you what I do to have a healthy weight gain and how to help kids gain weight. If you are a kid, try my awesome smoothie recipes below! They are really good and will teach you one way to learn how to gain healthy weight.
Side effects of ADHD medication in children:
I worry if I am underweight than I will not be strong or fast anymore so I work hard to put weight back on. I want to have healthy weight gain so even though I love to eat junk I try to eat healthy a lot too. I love to play soccer and I want to be really good. I need to gain weight so I don’t get pushed over so easily. I usually play striker so I have to run fast. If I don’t eat enough then I get tired faster.
Sometimes I think I am one of the only people in the world that is underweight so I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. I think lots of kids worry if they are losing weight people might tease you or laugh at you. But it is ok if you lose weight. I am underweight too.
ADHD and weight loss:
ADHD medication can make you not want to eat. This is one reason for ADHD and weight loss. Even though I know medicine takes time to start to work, I won’t take it until after I eat breakfast. I am so worried I won’t be hungry if I take it before. My parents tell me to take it while I’m eating but I usually wait until after. I try to eat a big breakfast to start my day.
During the day I am not hungry but I try to eat more than I want. It is hard to eat at lunch but I know it makes my body strong. If you play a sport and you want to get stronger you should eat protein to help you build muscles.
Lessons learned on ADHD and weight loss:
I used to weigh myself every day before my shower and had a sheet that I would write down how much I weigh. I would see if I had gone up or down. It was making me very upset if my weight went down.
I learned weight doesn’t change quickly so it is better to weigh yourself every month. Don’t weigh yourself daily because it will make you frustrated. I saw my pediatrician last week and I gained 4 pounds in the last 6 months. She said I was right on track. I was so happy!
How to gain healthy weight: My favorite smoothies
In order to help gain weight, I drink a shake that has a lot of protein and calories. I bring one to school every day and drink it at lunch. The flavor is vanilla so I like it even more! It is hard to eat regular food when I am not hungry so sometimes it is easier to drink a shake.
I have tried a lot of shakes (some are DISGUSTING!!!) and this one is my favorite.
We also make homemade shakes in the morning for breakfast. These are my favorites and are a great way for how to gain healthy weight:
At night I can make an “ice cream shake”. To make your shake turn into ice cream just add extra frozen berries or frozen banana to the recipe you pick. If you are lucky maybe sometimes you can add real ice cream and that would be amazing because it tastes so good!
We have a Vitamix blender that I use to make all the shakes. If I use our other blender they come out too chunky. This blender is expensive so I have to be careful with it. Also, make sure you put the top on before you turn it on!!! If you forget, your smoothie will spray all over the cabinets and ceiling and your parents won’t be happy! Believe me, I've done it and it wasn't pretty. (Did you know berries stain the ceiling? Oops.)
Side effects of ADHD medication in children: How to gain healthy weight.
If you are worried about your weight I understand! Sometimes, ADHD medication has side effects like weight loss but you can have healthy weight gain too. If you like eating junk food try to remember to eat healthy. I know it doesn’t taste as good sometimes but it actually makes my body and brain feel better. I want to be strong and run fast so I try to remember to make better choices.
Let me know what you do to gain weight. Did you try any of the smoothies I listed? Do you have a favorite smoothie or food that you can eat when you aren’t hungry?
This post was originally published on www.awesomelyADHD.com where this amazing 10-year-old has started to write about her experiences with ADHD. Read her previous guest post: Kids with ADHD: A 10-year-old's experience. She is a great resource for other kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD, helping them to understand what it means and not feel alone.
