ARFID – 4 Things to Know

What is ARFID?

ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. This is a type of eating disorder that can be defined as an eating or feeding disturbance, that can cause a lack of interest in eating or avoiding food based on the sensory characteristics of food.

Here are some common examples of clients we’ve worked with who have been diagnosed with ARFID:

• Children and adults on the Autism spectrum who struggle with food aversions and specific food textures
• Clients who have gotten sick from food which has led to a fear food of eating certain foods
• Clients who appear to be “picky eaters”, but their food choices are limited due to anxiety around certain foods
• Adults who were not exposed to a variety of food as a kid, and now fear the foods they weren’t exposed to

4 Things to Know About ARFID

1. ARFID has three major subtypes: restrictive, avoidance, and aversive.

• Restrictive can explained as an overall lack of interest in food or eating. Someone with this type may describe eating as a chore.

• Avoidance is a heightened sensitivity to the sensory factors that are associated with foods. This can be smell, taste, texture, and appearance

• Aversive is defined as restricting food or avoiding it because of possible consequences such as choking, vomiting, or gastrointestinal pain.

2. Picky Eating vs. ARFID

Picky eating can occur over a span of days to weeks, but the individual will still eat from all food groups. Individuals with picky eating have eating habits that are not associated with anxiety or extreme worry. Individuals with ARFID, however, avoid entire food groups and there is a tendency of anxiety, worry, or obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to food.

3. ARFID vs. Other Eating Disorders

Individuals with ARFID may not have a negative perspective regarding their body image, and any weight loss that may be occurring is usually not intentional. Individuals with other eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia commonly have a negative perspective of their bodies.

4. ARFID can be diagnosed in both adults and children

ARFID, like other eating disorders, can be diagnosed at any age. In our practice at Temecula Dieticians, we see people across the age spectrum who struggle with ARFID. If you believe you or a loved one may be suffering from ARFID, give us a call and we can provide you with more guidance and answer any questions you may have.

Want to learn more or have questions?

Book a free discovery call or make an appointment with one of our Dietitians! We’d love to help you or a loved one break free from food fears. Everyone deserves to live a life of food freedom. Call or text us today at 951-365-7193.