Obesity

Autism Treatment Network Research on Obesity

Researchers in the ATN study obesity in children with autism. They have found that more kids with autism were obese (were heavier than a healthy weight) than kids without autism. Kids with autism often weigh too much earlier in life than kids without autism. This could mean that there are different reasons for gaining weight in kids with and without autism. It is important to understand how to keep kids with autism from becoming too heavy and to take care of health risks from weighing too much. One reason kids with autism may be gaining weight is medications that address behavioral or social problems.  A medicine called metformin may help kids who take these medications not gain as much weight. Also kids with autism often get less physical activity (playing, running, climbing, walking, etc.) than kids without autism. More physical activity in general may help kids with autism get to and stay at a healthy weight.

For the full reference list and more Frequently Asked Questions addressed by ATN research on obesity, visit asatn.org.

*Disclaimer: This summary is based on research conducted by Autism Treatment Network (ATN) members. It is not a summary of the entire body of research literature available on this subject

Obesity Resources

Autism and Obesity: When Exercise and Healthy Diet Aren’t Enough

How Can We Stem Weight Gain Related to Behavioral Meds for Autism?

Obese Child with Autism Gaining Weight on Gluten/Casein-Free Diet

CDC Study Flags High Rate of Obesity among Teens with Autism