Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition where someone avoids certain foods or limits how much they eat, leading to significant health and emotional challenges. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or weight. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn’t about body image concerns – it’s more about difficulty eating due to sensory sensitivities, fear of negative experiences, or simply not feeling hungry.
There are a few reasons why you or your loved one might develop ARFID:
- Sensory Sensitivity: Some people are highly sensitive to the taste, texture, smell, or appearance of food. You might prefer food at a specific temperature or only eat certain colours. This sensitivity can lead to avoiding or restricting certain foods based on sensory experiences.
- Past Distressing Experiences: If you’ve ever had a frightening experience related to food, like choking, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, it’s understandable that you’d feel anxious about eating certain foods. You might find yourself sticking to “safe” foods to avoid that fear. Over time, this avoidance can expand, leading to an increasingly restricted diet.
- Lack of Appetite: For some, hunger cues don’t feel as strong, and eating might seem more like a chore than something enjoyable. If you rarely feel hungry or struggle to finish meals, it can lead to unintentional restriction. In some cases, individuals with ARFID report feeling full very quickly or experiencing little interest in food altogether.
Everyone experiences ARFID differently, and sometimes there’s no clear reason why it develops. However, for it to be diagnosed, the eating pattern must lead to significant physical or emotional consequences.
How ARFID Affects Daily Life
ARFID can make life challenging in ways you might not expect. If your food choices are very limited, you may struggle with getting enough nutrients, which can lead to low energy, poor concentration, and even medical complications. Children and teenagers may not grow as expected, and in some cases, restricted eating can cause weight loss or nutritional deficiencies that require medical intervention. If intake remains low, healthcare providers may recommend nutritional supplements or, in severe cases, tube feeding to prevent serious health risks.
Beyond physical health, ARFID can make everyday situations more difficult. Going out with friends, attending family meals, or even travelling can feel stressful if you’re worried about what food will be available. You might find yourself avoiding social events, which can lead to feeling isolated. Sharing a meal is a big part of connecting with others, and when eating becomes a source of anxiety, relationships can suffer. This can be particularly difficult for children and teenagers, who may struggle at school or find it hard to explain their eating habits to friends.
Getting Support for ARFID
Because ARFID presents in different ways, the right treatment depends on your specific challenges. Right now, there’s still a lot of research happening to understand the best treatments, and while ARFID isn’t yet covered by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) or SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) guidelines, that doesn’t mean it’s not serious or that help isn’t available. Services across the UK vary, which can sometimes make it difficult to access support, but raising awareness is helping to improve treatment options.
At the Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic, we believe strongly in working alongside GPs because poor nutrition can have both immediate and long-term health effects. Your GP can help monitor your physical health, and in some cases, working with a dietitian can also be beneficial. Together, we can build a support system to help you feel better and develop a healthier relationship with food.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment for ARFID is personalised to your needs. It may involve:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – A structured therapy that helps identify and change thoughts and behaviours around food.
- Exposure Therapy – Gradual, supported exposure to feared foods to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Nutritional Support – A dietitian may help ensure you or your loved one is getting the right balance of nutrients.
- Anxiety Management Strategies – Since anxiety often plays a role in ARFID, learning coping strategies can make a big difference.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Getting support early can make a big difference in recovery. The longer ARFID is left untreated, the harder it can be to introduce new foods and rebuild confidence in eating. Addressing it sooner helps prevent long-term complications and can improve both physical and mental well-being.
As awareness of ARFID grows, more services are becoming available to support individuals and families dealing with it. If you or your loved one is struggling with ARFID, it’s important to reach out for help. The right support can make all the difference in improving your health, confidence, and overall quality of life.
At the Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic, we’re committed to providing compassionate care for people with ARFID. If you’re looking for support, we’re here to help you take those first steps toward recovery.
