African Americans, ADHD, And Dysregulated Eating: What's Going On?

The national obesity rate continues to climb, and the minority communities in the US are being hit the hardest. Black women and Hispanic men and women all have obesity rates that are higher than the national average. Having ADHD increases the odds of developing dysregulated eating, leading to issues with body weight. Why does having ADHD increase the odds of developing dysregulated eating? Providing insight into the matter is psychologist Roberto Olivardia. He will discuss the challenges and explain why Black Americans are at greater risk of developing the coexisting conditions that result from obesity. Dr. Olivardia stresses the importance of a proper ADHD diagnosis from culturally knowledgeable healthcare providers, while also spotlighting the barriers encountered by Black individuals to receiving good healthcare and management and treatment options. ________________________________ Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a clinical psychologist and lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of ADHD, executive functioning issues, and students with learning differences. He also specializes in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders in boys and men. He currently serves on the professional advisory boards for CHADD, ADDA, and the National Association for Males with Eating Disorders.