Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 8 to 12

Parent-based treatment for children with obesity and ADHD

Official title: Executive Function Enhanced Parent-Based Treatment for Children With ADHD and Overweight or Obesity

Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT05165511 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing a new program for parents to help their children aged 8-12 with obesity and ADHD learn better ways to manage their weight and improve their focus skills.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages8 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego
Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05165511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 8-12 with a diagnosis of ADHD and a body mass index in the overweight or obese range.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently enrolled in a weight control program or those with certain medical or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot program focuses on refining a parent-based behavioral treatment enhanced with executive-function training for children aged 8-12 who are overweight or obese and diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The treatment involves 18 group sessions conducted over 5 months, where parents will learn strategies to support their children's weight management and executive function skills. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI) and executive function. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for this specific population by addressing the unique challenges they face.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved weight management and executive function in children with ADHD, enhancing their overall health and well-being.

How similar studies have gone: While family-based behavioral treatments have been studied, this specific approach combining executive function training is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Child with overweight or obesity (85-99.9% BMI for age),
* Child age 8-12,
* Child with a diagnosis of ADHD,
* A parent willing to participate who can read and understand English at a minimum of a fifth-grade level, able to attend treatment sessions remotely via Zoom on video.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current enrollment in an organized weight control program (parent and child)
* Medication specifically prescribed for weight loss (child)
* Medical or psychiatric condition that may interfere with treatment participation or that may require physician monitoring of diet and/or exercise (e.g., acute suicidality; psychosis; substance use disorder) (parent and child)
* Change in psychotropic medication or other medication that may impact weight or ADHD symptoms during the previous 3 months (child)

Where it's running

  • UCSD Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR)
    San Diego, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.