Someone with ARFID avoids eating certain foods, limits how much they eat, or does both.
When a person develops ARFID, they are less worried about their body weight or shape and develop the eating disorder for other reasons, which include:
- a dislike of the smell, texture or taste of certain foods.
- feeling anxious following a negative experience with food, for example choking or sickness.
- previous fussiness with eating which develops into a more severe dislike of certain foods.
- a lack of interest in food and not feeling hungry.
ARFID is more common in children with learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Signs and symptoms:
- a sudden refusal to eat foods
- no appetite for unknown reasons
- fear of choking or vomiting
- very slow eating
- difficulty eating meals with family and friends
- losing or no longer gaining weight
- delayed or no growth
Links to resources for CYP and parents/carers:
ARFID Self-Help Guide — SYEDA - South Yorkshire Eating Disorder Association
Links to resources for professionals:
