Understanding ARFID: Causes, Symptoms, and Support for Recovery
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex eating disorder that can affect children, teens, and adults. It’s often confused with “picky eating,” but the two are not the same. While picky eating is usually temporary and less severe, ARFID is persistent, can be highly restrictive, and may cause serious nutritional, physical, and emotional challenges.
At Namaste Nourished, we believe increasing awareness about ARFID is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term recovery.
What is ARFID?
ARFID is an eating disorder marked by ongoing avoidance or restriction of food that isn’t driven by body image concerns (which sets it apart from all other eating disorders). Instead, the eating challenges often come from:
Sensory sensitivities to the taste, texture, and/or smell of certain foods
Fear-based avoidance, such as choking, vomiting, or other distressing experiences related to eating
Low interest in food or difficulty feeling hungry
This pattern of restrictive eating can lead to nutrient deficiencies, low body weight, or slowed growth in children, along with emotional distress and difficulty participating in meals with others.
If you’ve wondered “Do I have ARFID or am I just picky?” It's important to remember that ARFID is a complex, diagnosed mental health condition, not a choice.
Signs and Symptoms of ARFID
Early recognition of ARFID can make a difference in recovery. Signs may include:
Avoiding entire food groups or certain colors or textures of food or eating a very limited variety of foods
Noticeable weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
Nutrient deficiencies (including low iron, vitamin D, protein)
Anxiety around eating or trying unfamiliar foods
Struggling to eat in social situations due to fear or discomfort
Fatigue, poor concentration, or weakness from inadequate intake
If you’re asking, “How do I know if I have ARFID?” or “Does my child have ARFID?”, keeping track of these signs can be the first step toward getting help.
Who Can Have ARFID?
While the average age of diagnosis is 11 years old , adults can develop it too. ARFID is approximately 15% of new eating disorder cases presenting for treatment. You may be at higher risk for developing ARFID if you have:
Mood and anxiety disorders
ADHD
OCD
Sensory processing differences
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Internet Gaming Disorder
A history of choking or vomiting incidents
This means the question “Can adults have ARFID?” has a clear answer, yes. ARFID can have a sudden or gradual onset, and can occur at any age. ARFID, like other eating disorders, can occur anywhere along the weight spectrum.
How to Treat ARFID
Recovery from ARFID is possible, and treatment is different for each person. Common approaches include:
Nutritional support from an eating disorder dietitian to expand safe foods, increase exposures, and ensure adequate nutrition
Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR) or exposure-based approaches, to reduce food fears and anxiety
Medical monitoring to track health, weight, and nutrient status
Family-based support for children and teens in recovery
If you’ve been searching “How to treat ARFID,” know that forcing foods is not the goal, building trust with food is.
We are excited to offer a dietitian-led ARFID and picky eating exposure group in our Fort Lauderdale office beginning September 2. For more information and to sign up, visit our ARFID exposure group page.
Living Well After ARFID
Recovery can be a slow process, but with the right supports, many people eventually reintroduce more foods, meet nutritional needs, and feel more comfortable eating in social settings. If you’ve been wondering “How to overcome ARFID,” the journey often begins with reaching out for help and connecting with a supportive care team.
At Namaste Nourished, we offer compassionate care, resources, and expert guidance for anyone navigating ARFID or other eating disorders. Whether you’re asking “Is ARFID just picky eating?” or “Can you develop ARFID later in life?”, you’re not alone, and support is available.
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of ARFID, we can help you take the first step toward healing.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery, working with an eating disorder dietitian can make a significant difference. A dietitian experienced in ARFID can help you (or your child) expand safe foods, meet nutritional needs, and feel more confident around eating. Click here to book an appointment with one of our eating disorder dietitians and start your personalized recovery plan today.