What is ARFID

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a serious eating disorder characterised by persistent avoidance or restriction of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies, significant weight loss (or failure to grow in children), and/or difficulties with daily functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body weight or shape.

 People with ARFID may struggle with sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences of eating (e.g., choking, vomiting), or a lack of interest in food. These difficulties can cause severe nutritional deficits and distress, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and social interactions.

 ARFID can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, though it is more commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Early recognition and support can help prevent long-term health and developmental complications.

Types of ARFID Presentation 

1.   Sensory Sensitivities – Strong aversions to certain food textures, tastes, smells, or appearances, leading to highly selective eating habits.

2.   Fear of Aversive Consequences – Avoidance of food due to a fear of choking, vomiting, nausea, or pain.

3.   Lack of Interest in Eating – Low appetite or limited interest in food, resulting in unintentional weight loss or failure to grow in children.

Signs & Symptoms of ARFID

 ARFID presents in different ways, depending on the underlying cause of food restriction. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID does not involve concerns about body image but instead relates to fear, sensory issues, or disinterest in food.

• Behavioural Signs

  • Avoiding entire food groups due to sensory discomfort. 

  • Eating very slowly or taking small, selective bites.

  • Becoming distressed when presented with new or “unsafe” foods.

  • Limited variety of foods in the diet, often sticking to only a few “safe” foods.

  • Avoiding meals with others or experiencing anxiety around food preparation.

• Physical Signs & Medical Risks

  • Malnutrition, leading to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and dizziness.

  • Significant weight loss or failure to meet expected growth milestones.

  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation, bloating, or stomach pain.

  • Weakened immune function, increasing susceptibility to illness.

  • Disruptions in hormone levels, affecting menstrual cycles and energy levels.

  • Developmental delays in younger children due to lack of adequate nutrition.

Because ARFID can cause serious health complications, early intervention is essential to prevent long-term effects.

Serious Risks & Health Complications

 If left untreated, ARFID can lead to severe physical and psychological consequences, including:

·       Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, increasing the risk of anemia, osteoporosis, and organ complications.

·       Growth delays in children and adolescents, leading to long-term developmental concerns.

·       Gastrointestinal problems, such as chronic constipation, bloating, and digestive pain.

·       Weakened immune function, making the body more prone to infections and illnesses.

·       Social isolation, due to avoidance of meals and food-related gatherings.

·       Severe anxiety around food, impacting daily life and emotional well-being.

 While ARFID does not involve body image concerns, it can still have serious mental health effects, including heightened anxiety, depression, and extreme food-related distress.

Treatment for ARFID

 ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis, and research is still evolving around the most effective treatment approaches. However, early intervention and treatment are critical for better outcomes. Treatment is typically tailored to the underlying cause of food avoidance, whether it is a phobia, sensory aversion, or low interest in eating.

 Key Treatment Approaches Include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  Current evidence suggests CBT is an effective treatment for ARFID. Therapy may involve gradual exposure to feared foods, relaxation training, and support to modify eating behaviours.

• Responsive Feeding Therapy (RFT)

  Used primarily in children, RFT involves parents or carers establishing structured mealtime routines with minimal distractions, modelling eating behaviours, and allowing the child to respond to hunger cues. Some principles of RFT may also be applied to adolescents and adults.

• Medical & Nutritional Support

  Some people with ARFID may require medical intervention if their restriction leads to severe complications (e.g., cardiac issues, gastrointestinal distress, or dangerously low weight).

• Hospital Admission

  In severe cases, individuals may need hospital-based treatment to restore adequate nutrition and manage medical complications

🚫 There are no medications specifically for treating ARFID, but some people with ARFID who experience anxiety or depression may benefit from medication to help manage these co-occurring symptoms. Most people recover from ARFID with community-based treatment, involving a Carer Support Specialist, GP, a mental health professional, and—where needed—a dietitian.

Recovery from ARFID

 It is possible to recover from ARFID, even for those who have struggled with restrictive eating for many years. The path to recovery can be challenging and non-linear. Still, with the right treatment, many people experience improvements in their ability to eat a wider variety of foods, meet their nutritional needs, and reduce food-related anxiety.

 Recovery from ARFID can also bring new insights and skills, helping individuals develop more flexible eating patterns and improved quality of life.

Seeking Support & Treatment

 Many people with ARFID struggle for years without seeking help, as their eating behaviours may be dismissed as picky eating or low appetite. However, specialist, professional support is essential when food avoidance leads to significant health, social, or psychological difficulties.

 If someone you care about is experiencing ongoing food avoidance, nutritional deficiencies, or distress around eating, seeking early support can prevent serious health consequences.

How The Togetherness Project Can Help 

At The Togetherness Project, we understand that ARFID can be distressing not just for individuals but also for their families and carers. Parents and loved ones often feel unsure about how to encourage eating without increasing distress.

We provide:

💛 Carer education & guidance, helping families understand ARFID and how to provide meal support.

💛 One-on-one coaching & support sessions, offering practical strategies to help loved ones feel safe around food.

💛 A family-inclusive approach, ensuring that carers feel empowered, informed, and supported while navigating ARFID.

ARFID is not a phase or a simple matter of preference—it is a serious eating disorder that requires specialised care. You are not alone, and help is available.