By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 26, 2026
When we talk about ADHD, weight isn’t usually the first topic that comes up. But if we understand ADHD as a self-regulation disorder, the connection becomes surprisingly clear. People with ADHD often struggle with managing attention—both engaging it when needed and disengaging it when necessary. This difficulty can apply just as much to food as it does to focus.
Food is stimulating. Eating can become a go-to response when you’re bored or stressed—not necessarily hungry. In fact, research has shown that obesity rates among women with inattentive ADHD can be as high as 40%, highlighting how significant this issue is.
Through my coaching work, I’ve discovered something interesting. When those with ADHD are fully engaged in something that stimulates their attention, they often forget to eat. Not because they’re restricting themselves, but because their attention is occupied elsewhere. The desire to eat fades, but not through willpower; rather, it’s because food is no longer the main source of stimulation.
Over time, I’ve coached individuals who came to me for help with focus and organization—not weight loss—but they began shedding pounds as a side effect. When they were mentally engaged, food took a back seat. And in several cases, the weight stayed off—not because we focused on diets or discipline, but because we focused on attention.
Here’s the insight. Don’t fight food cravings head-on. Instead, redirect your attention to something that energizes and captivates you. Self-regulation through attention may be one of the most overlooked weight-management strategies for those with ADHD.
So, if you’re struggling with weight and ADHD, maybe it’s not about eating less; it’s about engaging more… more purpose, more stimulation, more focus on what lights you up! This isn’t a diet tip. It’s a mindset shift. To learn more, please check out my video, ADHD and Weight Loss. It might help you in ways you didn’t imagine and could even spark a real change. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.