Weight Loss Injections and ADHD
Posted on October 16, 2026 by Sally-Anne Turner
What You Need to Know
There is an interesting link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and weight-related disorders.
In the UK, ADHD treatment for adults usually involves an oral stimulant. It seems counterintuitive, but these medications often help people with this condition focus better and can also help with any comorbid mental health issues. In theory, this should decrease weight as it speeds up metabolism. Long-term use of stimulant medications, oddly, is often noted to have the opposite effect.
So, if you have ADHD and you want to lose weight with a GLP-1 or weight loss injections, the process is not straightforward. There have been no clinical trials looking at the relationship between GLP-1 medications and ADHD. So, if you want to go down this path, you will need clinical oversight to do so safely.
When you come to the Bodyline Clinic, our team will take every aspect of your medical history into account. If you have a history of mental health issues, ADHD or a combination of both, we will target any GLP-1 medication to minimise side effects and to help you lose weight safely. Our dedicated clinical team don’t sign off on any weight loss prescription quickly and takes the time to get to know you as a person. This is how we have achieved a 95% 5-star rating on Trustpilot!
So, with that in mind, what are some of the things that we feel you need to know if you want to lose weight with GLP-1s but also have ADHD?
You Can Take GLP-1s with ADHD
Let’s start with the good news.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), you can take GLP-1s if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
There is no drug interactions noted at the time of writing between GLP-1s like Mounjaro and ADHD medications like Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate). However, Mounjaro and ADHD medications should still be assessed together by a clinician before treatment begins.
It may seem that, at a glance, those who have ADHD are less likely to struggle with being overweight or obese. However, data published in BMC Primary Care from 2024 has noted that ADHD and both of these conditions are associated in human studies. Data from the NHS has also found that 28.2% of those with an ADHD diagnosis are obese.
Something else to note is that while GLP-1’s are not a stimulant, it seems that when people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant-based medication (like phentermine UK), their BMI’s drop. So, when looking at the best appetite suppressant pills, phentermine may seem like a more suitable short-term option for weight loss in this group than GLP-1s. Of course, this is not recommended if someone is taking an ADHD medication, as too many stimulants can cause cardiovascular issues. If you want to engage in appetite suppression in the short term, you will need clinical oversight, especially if you take Adderall or Ritalin.
ADHD Meds and GLP-1s May Cause Excess Weight Loss
The core feature of GLP-1 medications is that they help you lose weight. They achieve this by:
- Slowing digestion.
- Preventing blood sugar spikes that can cause hunger.
- Mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is linked to feeling full.
When you pair this medication with a stimulant used to treat ADHD, the concern switches from weight loss to excessive weight loss. We have written in previous blogs about how nutrient deficiencies and weight loss can cause secondary effects, such as hair loss.
A study from 2009 noted that people who were newly diagnosed with ADHD and were severely obese and put onto amphetamine and methylphenidate lost 12.4% of their starting body weight over 466 days.
However, it seems that after initial weight loss, long-term, weight is regained and is often higher than that of those who do not take stimulant-based medications. A study from 2020 noted that children who were started on stimulants had an initially lower BMI growth in early to mid childhood, but this rebounded in later childhood. In short, as the people in the study grew older, they gained more weight compared to those who had not been treated with stimulants for ADHD.
Expedited or faster-than-average weight loss can be problematic when it comes to taking one of the GLP-1 treatments or weight loss injections that we offer at the Bodyline Clinic. We all know that in clinical trials, GLP-1s can produce rather drastic changes to body weight. For a quick refresh:
- In the STEP-1 trial, injectable Wegovy prompted weight loss of 14.9% (2.4mg semaglutide) over 68 weeks.
- In the OASIS 4 trial, oral Wegovy was linked to 13.6% weight loss over 64 weeks (25mg semaglutide on average).
- The SURMOUNT-1 trial, which studied Mounjaro (tirzepatide), noted that most people lost 20.9% of their body weight on the higher dose of 15mg over 72 weeks.
If you are eager to lose weight as someone with ADHD using GLP-1s, you will need to undertake additional monitoring. Our team will aim to provide you with diet plans to help you lose weight safely, while taking into account your other medications.
Side Effects May Be Heightened
Across both injectable and oral GLP-1’s, common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting and a generally sore stomach.
Interestingly, common ADHD medication in the UK, such as methylphenidate, can also cause nausea, stomach pain and even vomiting. Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) has also been linked to nausea, diarrhoea and constipation.
Even though there has been no direct research into ADHD medication side effects and GLP-1 interactions, it is likely that when you take both at the same time, this set of side effects may become more problematic.
Your Mood Will Need to be Monitored
If you have been on social media, you will have likely seen a lot of anecdotal pieces on GLP-1s and worsening depression.
At the time of writing, there is no established clinical evidence that weight loss injections or even oral GLP-1s cause a worsening of mental health issues. However, if you already have underlying neurodivergence, such as ADHD, you may need additional monitoring. This is particularly important when considering GLP-1 antidepressants interactions and the effects that multiple medications may have on your mood.
According to the NHS Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2023/2024, 3 in 10 people diagnosed with ADHD also take an antidepressant to treat depression. This highlights the need for those with ADHD undertaking GLP-1 treatments to have access to a more enhanced clinical assessment when undertaking this medication type. Questions about Mounjaro antidepressants compatibility should also be discussed with the prescribing clinician.
The reality is that if you aren’t feeling mentally well when taking any medication, you need to report it. Our team may adjust the dosage, change you to a different GLP-1 or offer additional support based on the severity of potential mental health symptoms.
Why Choose the Bodyline Clinic for Weight Loss?
We know that many online pharmacies and clinics will reject people who approach them for GLP-1 treatments if they have a co-morbid mental health issue.
Our team at the Bodyline Clinic is different. We will assess you as a person, looking at your medical history, ADHD severity and any medication you are taking to build up a clinical picture.
After all, our team offers specialised care with GLP-1 medications, focusing on:
- Cardiovascular issues (heart disease)
- Gastrointestinal diagnoses (Crohn’s disease)
- Advanced age. We offer GLP-1 treatments to certain people over the age of 75.
- Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
We pride ourselves on taking the time to form a complete clinical picture of each person we help. No quick sign-offs here!
If that sounds good, please contact our clinical team today for a weight loss consultation.
Bodyline Works. Bodyline Cares.
FAQs
Is Mounjaro Safe to use with ADHD?
Mounjaro is not contraindicated in those with a diagnosis of ADHD. However, if you are taking ADHD medication and want to lose weight using a GLP-1, you will need clinical support. This helps ensure you do not lose weight too quickly and that your diet does not lead to vitamin deficiencies.
What Does Mounjaro Do to ADHD Medication Side Effects?
Mounjaro and other GLP-1s are linked to gastrointestinal side effects. The majority of ADHD medications are also linked to the same side effects, and so, GLP-1s may cause worsening of GI symptoms.
How Does Mounjaro Work For Weight Loss in Those with ADHD?
There are no clinical studies that explore this question directly. However, each weight loss journey is different. If you have ADHD and start taking weight loss injections or oral options, our team at the Bodyline Clinic will monitor you to ensure you are kept healthy and that your side effects are manageable.
