Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

ARFID is an eating disorder that causes people to eat very little food or avoid eating certain foods. People with ARFID aren't afraid of gaining weight. Unlike people with anorexia, those with ARFID don't believe they are overweight when they aren't, but ARFID

• Often leads to weight loss in adults

• Can be caused by a bad experience with food, like choking

• May restrict growth in children and infants

• Can cause life-threatening nutrition problems

People with ARFID often have trouble in social settings, like eating with others or being in relationships.

ARFID usually starts during childhood. It can start in children who aren't interested in food or who don't like how food feels in their mouth. It's different than normal picky eating because picky eaters:

• Are usually only picky about a few food items

• Eat a normal amount of food overall

• Still grow as expected, but children with ARFID may not

Doctors will check to make sure your weight loss isn’t being caused by a physical health problem, like a food allergy, cancer, or a problem digesting food. Doctors also consider other mental health problems that can lead to weight loss.

Doctors may suggest therapy to help you feel less anxious about what you eat. You may be given nutritional supplements.