Understanding ARFID: How to Manage This Eating Disorder

In This Article:

1. What Is ARFID?
2. ARFID, Food Neophobia, or Picky Eating: What’s the Difference?
3. What Are the Most Common Symptoms of ARFID?
4. What Causes ARFID? Key Risk Factors to Know
5. Why Early Diagnosis Makes All the Difference
6. ARFID: What Treatment Options Are Available?
7. Overcoming ARFID with Help from a Dietitian Nutritionist

1. What Is ARFID?

ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a recognized eating disorder characterized by a highly limited diet in quantity or variety. It can start in childhood but also affects teens and adults.

Unlike disorders like anorexia, ARFID is not tied to body image or fear of weight gain. People with ARFID persistently avoid certain foods or food groups, to the point of having a real impact on their health, growth, daily functioning, or social life.

💡 Example: Someone who only eats very specific foods (like plain pasta without sauce) and refuses anything new, even if it harms their well-being or causes daily conflicts.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these eating challenges, it’s crucial to consult a professional for tailored support.

2. ARFID, Food Neophobia, or Picky Eating: What’s the Difference?

ARFID is often mistaken for other selective eating behaviours, like food neophobia or picky eating. These may look similar, but ARFID stands out due to its significant health impacts, such as nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or psychological distress.

Let’s break down how these behaviours differ.

2.1. Food Neophobia: Fear of Unfamiliar Foods

Food neophobia is a fear of trying new foods. It often leads to resistance, crying, or immediate rejection without even tasting the food. Someone with neophobia might sort foods, spit them out, or even gag. This phase is common in young children and usually fades over time, though it can persist into adulthood in some cases.

💡 Example: A child sees an unfamiliar vegetable, like broccoli, and flat-out refuses to try it, crying or getting upset, even after multiple attempts to introduce it. The refusal persists despite appealing presentations or a reassuring setting.

2.2. Picky Eating: A Limited Food Range, Sometimes Since Childhood

Picky eating involves consistently rejecting certain foods—sometimes even familiar ones—due to texture, colour, or taste, regardless of age. In kids and adults alike, this pickiness results in a limited food repertoire, which can lead to long-term nutritional deficiencies. Unlike food neophobia, which is often temporary, picky eating can persist and may require social, psychological, and nutritional support to expand dietary variety.

💡 Example: A person, child or adult, regularly eats the same foods (plain pasta, bread, cheese) and systematically rejects vegetables, even familiar ones, carefully pushing them aside without ever trying them.

2.3. In Summary: How to Tell ARFID, Neophobia, and Picky Eating Apart?

Neophobia and picky eating share similarities with ARFID, but they don’t always significantly impact health. ARFID is a recognized disorder that directly affects physical, psychological, and social well-being and requires tailored intervention.

3. What Are the Most Common Symptoms of ARFID?

ARFID symptoms vary from person to person, but here are the most common signs:

Physical Symptoms

• Low weight or weight loss
   
• Growth delays in children
   
• Nutritional deficiencies in minerals and vitamins
   
• Persistent fatigue or low energy
   
• Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, etc.)

Psychological and Behavioural Symptoms

• Significant anxiety around eating
   
• Fear of choking, vomiting, or feeling sick while eating
   
• Avoidance of certain foods or food groups
   
• Food rigidity (refusing to let foods touch, very specific preferences)

Social Symptoms

• Refusal to eat in groups or public settings
   
• Stress or family conflicts around meals
   
• Impact on daily life (avoiding outings, trips, or social events)

4. What Causes ARFID? Key Risk Factors to Know

ARFID can stem from several causes or risk factors, including:

• Sensory issues: Some people are hypersensitive to textures or tastes, making them reluctant to eat certain foods.
   
• Traumatic food experiences: Events like choking, vomiting, or severe allergic reactions can trigger a lasting fear of eating.
   
• Underlying psychological conditions: Anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can increase ARFID risk.
   
• Environmental factors: Stressful family, social, or work environments can contribute.

5. Why Early Diagnosis Makes All the Difference

Diagnosing ARFID early is critical to prevent complications like malnutrition or growth issues. If you or your child show signs of this disorder, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. They can assess nutritional status and suggest tailored strategies.

Spotting and addressing ARFID early can:

• Prevent physical complications, like malnutrition, deficiencies, or growth delays
   
• Reduce psychological impact, by easing food-related anxiety
   
• Prevent social isolation, by making family or friend meals easier
   
• Lower family tensions often tied to mealtimes
   
• Stop the disorder from becoming entrenched, which gets harder to treat over time
   
• Improve quality of life for the person affected and those around them

6. ARFID: What Treatment Options Are Available?

ARFID treatment typically involves collaboration between a family doctor, a psychologist, and a registered dietitian focused on nutritional rehabilitation. Here are some common approaches used to treat this disorder:

6.1. Psychological Support: Understanding Food-Related Barriers

Psychological support is often recommended to help overcome ARFID. One of the most effective approaches is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).

This method helps individuals understand why they avoid certain foods and gradually shift their thoughts and behaviours around eating. For example, if someone has an intense fear of choking while eating, CBT allows them to explore this fear safely and rebuild confidence at their own pace.

6.2. The Key Role of a Dietitian in Nutritional Rehabilitation

The cornerstone of ARFID treatment is gradual exposure to avoided foods. This involves starting with foods similar to those already accepted, then slowly expanding variety. The process moves at a pace that feels comfortable for the individual, steadily increasing dietary diversity.

A registered dietitian plays a critical role in managing ARFID. They can guide the gradual reintroduction of avoided foods to address nutritional deficiencies and support overall health. In some cases, dietary supplements or meal fortification may be needed to bridge nutritional gaps.

6.3. The Importance of Support from Loved Ones

Family and friends play a vital role in ARFID treatment. Their support can make a big difference in progress. For example, parents or friends can offer a reassuring presence, helping ease the integration of avoided foods through emotional support.

7. Overcoming ARFID with Help from a Dietitian Nutritionist

If you or a loved one eats very little, avoids meals, or feels anxious about eating, it’s important to see a professional. Weight loss, persistent fatigue, or nutritional deficiencies are also signs to watch for. The earlier ARFID is addressed, the more effective treatment can be.

With the right care, including cognitive-behavioural therapy and nutritional support, recovery is absolutely possible. If you’re concerned about someone with ARFID, don’t hesitate to reach out to a TeamNutrition registered dietitian near you. They can guide you with tailored strategies and provide valuable support to overcome this disorder.

Book an appointment with a registered dietitian nutritionist today for personalized support to overcome ARFID!