ARFID

There are several reasons why someone may avoid or restrict their food intake:

• Sensory Sensitivities
  Some people are extremely sensitive to the taste, texture, smell, or appearance of certain foods. Others may only be able to eat food at a specific temperature or in a particular form. These sensory sensitivities can make eating feel overwhelming or even impossible.
• Fear-Based Avoidance
  ARFID may develop after a distressing experience with food, such as choking, vomiting, or experiencing severe abdominal pain. These experiences can lead to intense fear and anxiety about eating, causing the person to avoid certain foods or entire food groups.
• Low Interest in Food or Eating
  Some individuals with ARFID may have little or no appetite, or they may not recognise hunger cues in the same way as others. Eating can feel like a chore rather than something enjoyable, leading to limited food intake.
• Anxiety Around Eating
  People with ARFID may have general worries about eating or fear the consequences, even if they find it difficult to put these feelings into words. They may restrict themselves to only eating foods they consider “safe.”

It’s important to note that a person may experience one or more of these challenges at the same time. ARFID often presents differently from person to person, which is why it’s considered an “umbrella” term covering a variety of eating difficulties.

ARFID can have serious effects on both physical health and emotional wellbeing. These may include:

• Physical Health Concerns
  When a person isn’t eating enough, they may lose weight or, in the case of children, fail to gain weight and grow as expected. Limited food choices can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can affect energy levels, immune function, and overall health. In some cases, serious health problems can develop due to insufficient calorie or nutrient intake.
• Emotional and Social Challenges
  ARFID can make social situations difficult to navigate. Eating with friends, attending family meals, or going on holiday may feel stressful or impossible. People with ARFID may avoid social events, feel isolated, or find it difficult to make and maintain relationships. This can lead to low mood, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.