Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treated with Methylphenidate

To describe the methylphenidate (MPH) effects on weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in a Spanish sample diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Patients (6-18 years) diagnosed with ADHD treated at our Unit with MPH in the last 10 years were included in an observational longitudinal study. Weight, height, and BMI Z scores were measured at baseline and at last follow-up. Three hundred forty-two patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 10.7 [3.8] years, 80% males) were included. Mean dose was 1.25 (0.40) mg/(kg·d). After 27 (14-41) months taking MPH, weight and BMI standard deviation score (SDS) were reduced by treatment (baseline weight-SDS: 0.34 [1.22], follow-up weight-SDS: -0.06 [1.38], t-test p