Did you know that ADHD is more common in the bariatric community? In today’s episode, we’re going to explore how ADHD and neurodivergence shape our relationship with food, how this affects the bariatric community and discover strategies to thrive. 

We are happy to introduce a clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience working in bariatric medicine, who brings personal insight as a bariatric patient managing ADHD and weight regain. Dr. Karen Stewart shares practical approaches like meal prepping and mindfulness, while addressing how perimenopause and hormone replacement influence emotional regulation and decision making in the bariatric community. By exploring executive functioning, dopamine, and self-compassion, we’ll uncover tools to support the bariatric community in overcoming obesity and weight regain.

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:30) Dr.  Stewart shares her area of expertise and journey with ADHD and weight regain
• (08:00) ADHD neurodivergence may lead to obesity due to disordered eating patterns
• (14:30) Connection between ADHD, multitasking, and mindfulness 
• (20:15) Defining ADHD, neurodivergence, executive functioning, and weight regain
• (29:47) Effects of perimenopause and hormone replacement on ADHD Symptoms and emotional regulation
• (34:40)  Practical strategies for bariatric patients with ADHD, focusing on dopamine, executive functioning, and self-compassion
• (39:13) Lowering the expectation on the food front

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• ADHD and Neurodivergence are more prevalent in the Bariatric Community, contributing to obesity through disordered eating patterns driven by Dopamine-seeking behaviors and Executive Functioning challenges.
• Task switching, cognitive flexibility, and decision making tax the brain, especially in ADHD, necessitating strategies like meal prepping to conserve mental energy.
• For neurodivergent individuals, food often serves as a quick Dopamine hit. However, healthy eating alternatives and non-food activities, such as walks, can help replace unhealthy habits.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website
• Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.
• BariNation - Email
• BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide
• Karen Stewart - Instagram
• Karen Stewart - Facebook
• Dr. Karen Stewart - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Karen Stewart is a clinical psychologist who’s spent 20 years supporting bariatric patients—and she’s been through the process herself. She brings both personal and professional insight to her work, with a special focus on how ADHD affects eating habits, self-care, and long-term health. Karen helps people understand what’s driving their patterns and find practical, sustainable ways to feel better in their bodies.

ABOUT:

If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.