What if losing weight seemed as simple as skipping a meal without feeling hungry, or suddenly having the energy to burn off extra calories? That’s the false promise stimulants can offer. From ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin, to vaping and even cocaine, stimulants can decrease appetite and speed up burning calories. For some teens and young adults, that can lead to rapid weight loss—but also dangerous health risks. As a parent, it’s important to understand how stimulants affect weight, why some young people misuse them, and what red flags to watch for.
Many stimulants—whether prescribed medications, nicotine products, or illegal drugs—can cause weight loss. They do this in two main ways:
Decrease appetite: Stimulants dull hunger signals, so people eat less.
Burn calories: They speed up the body’s calorie-burning process, making it easier to lose weight.
This is why weight loss is a common side effect of medications used for ADHD, like Adderall or Ritalin. But outside of medical use, stimulants are often misused for weight control—and that’s where the risks become serious.
Misuse of Stimulants for Weight Loss
Cocaine
Some people, especially women, misuse cocaine as a way to stay thin. For example, you may have heard of what students call the “Freshman 15,” referring to weight gain at college during the first year at school. Cocaine may seem like the answer to this because it not only decreases appetite but also gives bursts of energy, making it seem like a “quick fix” for weight control.1 In reality, it puts enormous strain on the heart, increases risk of stroke, and can lead to addiction. It can also become tied to eating disorders, where drug use and unhealthy eating habits reinforce each other.
ADHD Medications
Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are sometimes misused by teens and young adults who don’t have ADHD but want to lose weight. Misusing these drugs can cause rapid weight loss, mood problems, heart issues, and in some cases, substance use disorder.
Phentermine
This is one of the few stimulants that doctors sometimes prescribe to treat obesity.2 But it’s only used short-term, under close medical supervision, and as part of a bigger plan that includes diet, exercise, and support. That’s very different from misusing ADHD medications or illegal stimulants.
Smoking
Nicotine in cigarettes is also a stimulant. For decades, many people—especially women—have smoked to control their weight. Nicotine dulls hunger and gives a small boost in metabolism, which is one reason people are afraid to quit smoking. But the health risks of smoking (cancer, lung disease, heart disease) far outweigh the temporary weight control.
Vaping
Most vapes contain nicotine, which means they can also suppress appetite and slightly speed up metabolism. Some teens use vaping to manage their weight or avoid eating. While vaping may feel “safer” than smoking, it’s still harmful: vapes deliver high doses of nicotine, are highly addictive, and expose the body to dangerous chemicals. For many young people, fear of weight gain makes it even harder to quit.
Risks and Concerns
Unhealthy Weight Loss: Misusing stimulants can cause the body to shed pounds too quickly, leading to malnutrition and stress on the heart and brain.
Nutritional Problems: Eating less means missing out on vitamins and minerals. For kids and teens, this can interfere with growth, energy, and overall health.
Heart and Brain Risks: Stimulants can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and the risk of heart attack or stroke. They can also trigger mood swings, anxiety, or addiction.
Connection to Eating Disorders: For some, stimulant misuse is tied to eating disorders, making it even harder to break the cycle of unhealthy weight control.
Reluctance to Quit Smoking or Vaping: Because nicotine helps control weight, teens and young adults may be afraid to quit, even when they know the health risks.
Red Flags: Signs Your Teen Might Be Misusing Stimulants for Weight Control
If you’re worried your child may be using stimulants—like ADHD medications, cocaine, or nicotine—to manage their weight, here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Rapid or unexplained weight loss.
- Skipping meals or often saying “I’m not hungry.”
- Eating very little, avoiding family meals, or hiding food.
- Bursts of energy followed by irritability or crashing.
- Trouble sleeping or staying up unusually late.
- Guarding medications, acting secretive, or avoiding questions.
- Physical signs like dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, or frequent headaches.
- Smoking or vaping more, especially if tied to eating less or worrying about weight.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. Start with gentle, open-ended questions like: “I’ve noticed you’re not eating much lately—What is getting in the way of your appetite?” If you’re concerned, reach out to your child’s doctor, a nutritionist, or a mental health professional.
The Bottom Line
Stimulants can affect appetite and the way the body burns calories, which explains why they’re sometimes misused for weight control. But whether it’s ADHD medications, cocaine, smoking, or vaping, the health risks far outweigh any short-term weight changes. For some, stimulant misuse can also tie into eating disorders or fears about gaining weight, making it especially hard to break free.
If you notice changes in your child’s eating habits, energy, or mood, trust your instincts and take the next step. Start by opening up a gentle conversation, then reach out to your child’s doctor, counselor, or another trusted professional for guidance. You don’t need to have all the answers, but taking action early can protect your child’s health and help prevent bigger problems down the road. Most importantly, remind your teen or young adult that they don’t have to handle these pressures alone—you’re in their corner, ready to support them every step of the way.
If you need additional guidance, please connect with our helpline specialists who will listen to your concerns and help you develop a plan.