Some picky eaters are simply fussy – others may struggle with a newly recognized eating disorder you probably haven’t heard about. Here’s what researchers and specialists want you to know about ARFID and how to spot it.
ARFID goes far beyond picky eating
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is not just about being selective with food. It’s classified as a serious eating disorder that can severely affect a person’s health and social life.
It’s now an official diagnosis
ARFID isn’t just a media buzzword. The World Health Organization has formally recognized it as a distinct eating disorder, separate from more familiar conditions like anorexia or bulimia.
The difference is in the motivation
Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t driven by a desire to lose weight or change appearance. Instead, it’s about avoiding certain foods due to fear, discomfort, or anxiety related to eating.
It can start early
For many, ARFID begins in childhood. What may seem like harmless fussiness around food can grow into something much more restrictive over time, affecting growth and development.
A past bad experience may trigger it
Experts say ARFID is often linked to negative food experiences. This could be something like choking, food poisoning, or being pressured to eat when unwell—experiences that can leave lasting anxiety.
Not all restricted diets are ARFID
Just because a child refuses vegetables or prefers pizza doesn’t mean they have ARFID. The diagnosis is only relevant when food avoidance impacts health, weight, or social functioning.
Social life can suffer
People with ARFID often avoid meals with family or friends because of their extremely limited food choices. Over time, this can lead to isolation and anxiety around social situations involving food.
Weight and growth may be affected
One of the key concerns with ARFID is physical health. For children, it may result in stunted growth. For adults, it can cause significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
The condition is under-researched
Because ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis, specialists still lack clear tools to detect and treat it. Experts stress the need for better screening methods and clinical awareness.
Treatment is still evolving
There’s no universal cure for ARFID yet. Specialists recommend a tailored approach, often involving nutrition experts and psychological therapy to help patients safely expand their food intake.
This article is based on information from Woman