Can ADHD Drugs Cure Child Obesity?

Loss of appetite has always been a worrisome side effect of ADHD drugs, especially for skinny little wiry guys and gals who burn off all their calories with their excess energy. But what about kids who need to lose their appetite, to combat obesity and stave off diabetes? Could a little Adderall do the trick there, ADHD or no?

Despite concerns that Adderall and other ADHD drugs may cause heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death in young patients, some physicians and parents are finding that risk less threatening than the health dangers of extreme weight, and are opting to try the amphetamine as a kiddie weight-loss drug. A CNN report tells of a boy who started taking Adderall at age 11, when he was 30 pounds overweight and headed toward a diabetes diagnosis. His appetite halved, the weight dropped off, the diabetes threat disappeared, and he and his parents are believers.

Weight loss is an off-label use for Adderall, meaning that the drug has not been approved for that purpose. But off-label prescriptions for children are not uncommon, whether it's prescribing a blood-pressure med for behavior purposes or giving Ritalin to a child younger than has been approved.

Is this a valid use for a drug like Adderall, or are there sufficient other ways to address obesity without adding a potentially dangerous drug to the mix? Would you put your child on Adderall for this purpose? Pick your answer from the poll at right, and add your thoughts in the comments.

• Get a Healthy Weight for Your Child
• Work Out With Your Child