A new study from So Nutrition reveals that 63% of people with ADHD skip meals weekly or daily, highlighting significant dietary challenges for neurodivergent individuals. The research, conducted with 500 UK adults with ADHD, underscores how core ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and executive function differences impact eating habits. Nine in 10 participants admitted to struggling with impulsive eating, often driven by stress or emotional triggers.
“Skipping meals can be attributed to ADHD’s core symptoms of impulsivity, inattention and executive function differences, which all hinder self-regulation and awareness of internal hunger signals,” explains Sarah Osborne, leading ADHD nutritional therapist and founder of So Nutrition. “Similarly, for neurodivergent individuals, impulsive or emotional eating often goes beyond food itself and can relate to brain chemistry and biochemical balance, as well as being a response to emotions such as stress, frustration and feeling overwhelmed.”
The independent study, used in a new report for healthcare professionals, aims to improve support for neurodivergent individuals. Osborne adds: “When eating turns into an emotional and impulsive response, it becomes easy to feel trapped in a cycle of guilt and frustration. We hope our study will support greater understanding of these challenges, which are closely linked to the way the neurodivergent brain responds to the world.”
ADHD affects approximately 3.5% of adults and 5% of children in the UK, with over 500,000 people currently on NHS waiting lists for diagnosis, according to May 2025 data. The research highlights specific dietary struggles:
- Almost all (96%) participants forget to eat due to hyperfocus on tasks. 43% say this happens often.
- Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) are highly sensitive to food textures, tastes, and smells. Common aversions include tomatoes, mushrooms, and bananas.
- More than 9 in 10 (91%) struggle to plan or prepare meals. Executive function challenges make meal preparation difficult.
So Nutrition, led by award-winning nutritionist Sarah Osborne, specialises in nutrigenomics and ADHD-related dietary issues. The practice promotes self-compassion to help neurodivergent individuals achieve nutritional goals. To address these challenges, So Nutrition offers practical tips for an ADHD-friendly diet:
- Add more into your diet, don’t take away. Introduce variety with simple additions, like Brazil nuts to smoothies for a selenium and zinc boost.
- Embrace convenience food. Tinned mackerel, sardines, or black beans provide nutrients without complex preparation.
- Keep hydrated. Set reminders to drink water, using visible cues like a jug to form habits and reduce hunger cravings.
- Be kind. Small, gradual changes help manage the overwhelming noise and distractions around food for those with ADHD.
- Make food your friend. Keep nuts and seeds accessible for snacking and gradually try new meal plans to reduce stress.
The study’s findings come as ADHD diagnosis rates rise, with increased awareness of neurodiversity prompting more people to seek support. NHS data indicates a growing demand for services, with waiting times for assessments often stretching months or years. This research highlights the need for tailored nutritional guidance within healthcare, as dietary habits significantly affect mental and physical wellbeing for those with ADHD.
By fostering practical strategies and self-compassion, So Nutrition aims to break the cycle of guilt and frustration tied to impulsive eating. The organisation’s work underscores the importance of understanding neurodivergent brain responses to improve dietary outcomes. For those with ADHD, small changes can lead to significant improvements in nutrition and overall health.