Weight gain after Adderall: Reasons why and what to do about it

Key Points

• There may be more than one reason why you gain weight after Adderall.
• Reasons include the return of intense hunger, potential underlying conditions, Adderall withdrawal symptoms, and more.
• Weight gain after stopping Adderall is common, but it's not inevitable; there may be steps you can take to manage it.
• If you’re worried about weight gain after Adderall, you don’t have to handle it all alone. A registered dietitian can help you manage your weight

If you quit or plan to stop Adderall, you may be worried about weight gain, and rightly so. 

The main ingredient in Adderall is an appetite suppressant, and when you come off the drug, you may gain the weight you lost while on the drug, and maybe even more.

Understanding why this happens and what steps you can take to reduce your risk of weight gain can help you plan your transition.

Reasons why you may want to quit Adderall

There may be many reasons why you may want to stop taking Adderall, including:

• Advice from a healthcare provider before trying to get pregnant
• Dealing with Adderall shortages
• Insurance coverage issues
• Rising costs of ADHD medication
• To reduce dependency on stimulants like Adderall
• The risk of developing heart disease or other medical conditions
• Other reasons not listed above

If you have been taking Adderall for a while, your body may need an adjustment period without the drug. You may experience symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, including weight gain.

Here are some reasons why you may be gaining weight after stopping Adderall and what you can do about it.

Reasons for weight gain after stopping Adderall

1. Adderall suppresses your appetite

Adderall often reduces hunger signals. This may lead to weight loss while you’re on the medication. Stopping the ADHD medication, however, could mean your appetite may return, and it may be harder to stop food cravings.

It’s because Adderall is a stimulant. It is a combination of two stimulant drugs, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Meds like Adderall help stabilize dopamine (the motivation chemical) in your brain and improve impulse control.

So, when you discontinue taking stimulants, you may gain weight as your hunger returns with a vengeance.

💡 Tips

• Consider keeping protein-rich healthy snacks, like Greek yogurt, nuts, or cheese sticks on hand. Protein helps you feel full longer and can help manage cravings.
• What if you’re physically full but the “food noise” (thoughts of food) continues to urge you to indulge in non-nutritious foods or binges? In such cases, mental health counseling may help identify and address emotional eating triggers.

2. Effects of other medications

Are you on antidepressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, and Mirtazapine? Or antipsychotics like Olanzapine, Clozapine, and similar medications?

For some people, these medications can contribute to weight gain.

Plus, if you were on Adderall and SSRIs or Olanzapine but then stopped taking the Adderall, you may experience weight gain because your appetite returns. This is in addition to the weight gain effect of the antidepressant or antipsychotic.

💡 Tips

• Consider tracking your weight and discussing your weight gain with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust dosages or suggest alternatives, depending on your individual needs.
• If you are concerned about weighing yourself, please inform your healthcare provider.

3. Insulin resistance

If you have been taking Adderall or another stimulant medication since childhood, your body may be used to its effects. The drug's appetite-suppressing effects may have influenced your diet and lifestyle.

But once you stop taking Adderall, you may need to adjust your nutrition.

Along the way, if you develop insulin resistance due to family history, age, and lifestyle factors, weight gain may occur.

Insulin resistance leads to weight gain, and makes it hard to lose weight because:

• You feel hungrier: Blood sugar goes up and down a lot, making you crave carbs and eat more than you need
• The body stores more fat: With insulin resistance, the cells stop responding well to the effects of insulin. They do not readily absorb blood glucose for energy. When this happens, your body pumps out extra insulin, which turns sugar into fat
• Burning fat gets harder: High insulin stops your body from breaking down stored fat for energy, even if you're eating less
• It leads to an inflammation cycle: Excess fat causes body-wide inflammation that makes insulin resistance worse, which could lead to more belly fat

Additionally, stimulants like Adderall (amphetamine) can raise blood sugar levels and potentially worsen insulin resistance, especially in those already at risk.

Here’s how:

• Adderall may spike blood sugar in some people by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine
• This forces the body to pump out more insulin
• Over time, it can worsen insulin resistance

So, insulin resistance could stall long-term fat loss, lead to belly fat, and make it hard to lose weight. If you think you may have insulin resistance, please talk to a healthcare provider.

4. Thyroid hormone imbalances

Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect metabolism, which may influence body weight.

One common issue is hypothyroidism. This happens when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, which slows down how your body uses energy.

Some symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with ADHD, including fatigue, brain fog, and memory issues. In some cases, these symptoms may have been attributed to ADHD and left untreated.

If you would like to check your thyroid, talk to your healthcare provider about taking a thyroid function test.

5. Potential nutritional deficiencies

When on Adderall and other stimulant ADHD meds, it's not uncommon to skip meals or eat less food because the drug suppresses hunger cues.

In such cases, there may be some nutritional deficiencies that need to be addressed.

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals. Some of these may affect your health and weight.

For example:

• Vitamin D levels: Low vitamin D levels have been commonly observed in people with weight gain or who are obese
• Magnesium: Magnesium plays a key role in metabolism, and low levels can indirectly lead to weight gain through higher insulin resistance, inflammation, and greater stress hormone levels.

Please note:

• The listed vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies are just 2 examples; this is not an exhaustive list
• You do not have to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before having insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can develop in your body way before blood tests report prediabetes or diabetes

A healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help determine whether nutritional deficiencies may be contributing to weight gain after stopping Adderall.

Best ADHD diet: Eating healthy after stopping Adderall

Research shows there’s no single “ADHD diet.” But certain eating patterns can help you get back into a regular eating rhythm, meet your nutrition needs, and support steadier energy levels after stopping Adderall.

Registered Dietitian Rita Faycurry, RD, explains: “In general, a diet rich in whole grains, whole vegetables, and whole fruits is recommended. An example is the Mediterranean diet.”

In ADHD research, nutrition-dense diets are linked to fewer attention and behavior issues, but diet alone doesn’t explain everything.

How you eat matters too, not just what you eat. After stopping a stimulant, hunger signals can feel delayed or uneven. Eating at regular times and including protein at meals may help smooth out energy swings and reduce long gaps between eating, which can make weight changes feel easier to manage.

Also, since ADHD is linked to dopamine signaling in the brain, ADHD stimulant medications work, in part, by increasing dopamine activity. Habits like getting quality sleep and regular physical activity also influence brain systems involved in focus, reward, and appetite regulation.

How to eat after stopping Adderall (practical tips)

After stopping Adderall, many people notice their appetite and cravings increase. Stimulants suppress hunger, and research suggests that eating patterns can change once the medication is discontinued.

One way to manage this hunger is to establish a structure around food and eat balanced meals.

How to build a balanced plate

A balanced plate generally looks like this:

• Half the plate: Non-starchy vegetables (and some fruit)
• A quarter: Lean protein like chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, lean beef, tofu, or eggs
• A quarter: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat pasta
• Side: Dairy on the side (if you eat dairy)
• Small amounts of healthy fats: This includes 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, a handful of nuts, or a few slices of avocado

💡Tips

🥛Dairy-free options include fortified soy or almond milk, yogurt alternatives with added calcium and Vitamin D. Leafy greens and tofu made with calcium can help meet your calcium needs.

🌱 Plant-based options: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, nuts, seeds, and soy milk are strong protein options. For calcium, choose calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milks or yogurts, tahini, almonds, and leafy greens like kale or collard greens.

You don’t need to measure your food exactly. The goal is to create meals that feel filling, steady, and balanced while your hunger patterns adjust.

Meal ideas

The meal ideas below are some suggestions for balanced meals centered around vegetables, whole grains, and protein. They are based on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the USDA's MyPlate balanced meal framework.

Hopefully, they can spark some ideas for your own meal planning.

Breakfast ideas

• Veggie omelet (eggs + spinach or pre-cut peppers) + whole grain toast + berries
• Greek yogurt + mixed berries + small handful of nuts + whole grain granola
• Oatmeal (made with milk or fortified soy milk) + almond butter + banana
• Whole grain toast + avocado + scrambled eggs or tofu + side of fruit
• Smoothie: milk or fortified soy milk + Greek yogurt or protein powder + berries + spinach + peanut or almond butter

Lunch ideas

• Whole grain wrap with grilled chicken or tofu + mixed greens + hummus + squeeze of lemon + side of fruit
• Brown rice bowl + black beans or chicken + roasted veggies + avocado + salsa or hot sauce
• Big salad (mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers) + salmon or chickpeas + olive oil + red wine vinegar + whole grain crackers
• Turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread + mustard + baby carrots + apple
• Leftover roasted chicken or tofu + microwaved frozen vegetables + quinoa or brown rice + drizzle of olive oil
• Breakfast burrito (whole wheat tortilla + eggs or tofu + black beans + sautéed vegetables + avocado + salsa)

Dinner ideas

• Grilled salmon + roasted broccoli + brown rice + drizzle of olive oil + squeeze of lemon
• Baked chicken thighs + sweet potatoes + green beans + garlic and herbs
• Stir-fry with tofu or shrimp + mixed vegetables + quinoa or brown rice + soy sauce and sesame oil
• Lean ground turkey tacos on corn or whole wheat tortillas + sautéed peppers + avocado + salsa
• Lentil or chickpea curry + spinach + basmati or brown rice
• Sheet pan roasted vegetables + chicken or tofu + farro + tahini or yogurt sauce

Healthy snacks (that feel like a treat)

• Apple slices + peanut or almond butter
• Greek yogurt + drizzle of honey + dark chocolate chips
• Cottage cheese + pineapple or berries
• Handful of mixed nuts + a few dried cranberries
• Hummus + pita chips + sliced cucumbers
• Dark chocolate (1–2 squares) + almonds
• Frozen banana slices + peanut butter
• Air-popped popcorn + olive oil + sea salt

How to make your meals feel satisfying

Research shows that how food looks and feels can influence how satisfying it is.

So, if you have a minute to spare, consider giving yourself little visual and sensory “treats.”

• Plate your food intentionally: Take an extra 10 seconds to arrange vegetables, protein, and grains instead of piling everything together.
• Focus on texture: Include something creamy or crunchy. Avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds add texture and make meals feel more complete.
• Add a flavor boost: A squeeze of lemon (or a drop of lemon concentrate), fresh herbs (tear them with your fingers; no need for a knife or cutting board), hot sauce, salsa, or a drizzle of olive oil can instantly elevate simple food.
• Finishing touches: Keep 1–2 finishing touches on hand. A seasoning blend you love, chili crisps, a nice mustard, or flaky salt can make home-cooked meals feel less routine.
• Use a favorite bowl or smoothie glass: It doesn’t have to be expensive. Small visual upgrades can make everyday meals feel more enjoyable without extra effort. This works even for breakfast. For example, place Greek yogurt in a dessert glass and top with fresh berries and granola on top.

💡 Tip: Set phone reminders for meals to help rebuild regular eating patterns. When you've been suppressing hunger for a while, it can take time to reconnect with your body's natural signals.

Can a dietitian help with weight gain after adderall?

If you're struggling with your weight after stopping stimulants, you're not alone. Many people find it challenging, and that's okay.

If your food cravings are intense or you're concerned about meeting your nutritional needs, consider working with a registered dietitian.

Additionally, if you struggle with disordered eating or have a history of eating disorders, it can be tricky to manage weight gain after stopping stimulant ADHD medication.

Final Thoughts

Weight gain after stopping Adderall is common, and it does not have to be permanent.

Understanding why it happens, whether from appetite returning, medication changes, a return of emotional eating triggers, shifts in routine, or more than one reason, gives you a clear starting point.

One effective step is to work with a healthcare professional who understands. For example, a weight loss dietitian, who understands the challenges that come with ADHD, can help you build a realistic nutrition plan and sustainable habits.

If you’re ready for support, Fay can help you find a weight loss dietitian who accepts your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does weight gain last after stopping Adderall?

Some people notice their appetite increases within days or weeks of stopping Adderall. For others, changes are more gradual. There is no set timeline for weight changes. In many cases, appetite and eating patterns settle as routines stabilize, but this varies from person to person.

If you’re unsure how to manage this shift, working with a weight loss dietitian can help you build a personalized plan that feels realistic and balanced.

Can I prevent weight gain after stopping Adderall?

Your weight may fluctuate as your hunger returns after stopping Adderall or similar stimulants, but you can take steps to feel more in control. Consider eating regular, balanced meals with sufficient protein, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.

Should I exercise more after stopping Adderall?

There are no studies showing that exercise directly prevents weight gain after stopping Adderall.

However, the CDC recommends regular physical activity for overall health and weight management. The CDC suggests about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults, and even smaller increases in movement can be beneficial.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.