Nf. Butte et al., Stimulant medications decrease energy expenditure and physical activity inchildren with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, J PEDIAT, 135(2), 1999, pp. 203-207
Objective: To determine the effect of stimulant medications used to treat c
hildren with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) on energy exp
enditure, fuel utilization, and physical activity.
Study design: Energy expenditure and physical activity were measured, respe
ctively, by room respiration calorimetry and microwave motion detectors in
31 children with AD/HD (26 boys and 5 girls; ages 6 to 12 years) both while
they were receiving their prescribed stimulant medication and after the me
dication had been discontinued for at least 24 hours. Fuel utilization was
calculated from calorimetry data.
Results: Total and awake energy expenditure including energy expended while
doing schoolwork, riding a stationary bicycle, resting, and watching a mov
ie were from 4% to 8% lower when the children were receiving their prescrib
ed stimulant medication. Total and awake activity were also lower while the
y were receiving medication (16% to 22%) and accounted for the lower rates
of energy expenditure. Sleeping metabolic rate, basal metabolic rate, and f
uel utilization were unaffected by medication.
Conclusions: Stimulant medications decrease physical activity and hence, de
crease the activity component of total daily energy expenditure in children
with AD/HD.