ARFID Is More Than Picky Eating—And the Condition Is on the Rise

ARFID Is More Than Picky Eating — And the Condition Is on the Rise

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, can lead to malnutrition and weight loss in both children and adults, even when concerns about body image are not involved.

Case Study: Stella’s Experience with ARFID

Stella was eight years old when she stopped eating solid foods. Once a “foodie,” she shifted to consuming only liquids, according to her mother, Briana. This limited diet soon caused new challenges. Stella began removing chunks from her soup and had difficulty drinking smoothies with small seeds. Her fear of swallowing intensified to the point where she would spit out her saliva.

“She said she had a fear of choking,” Briana explains.

For privacy reasons, their last names have been omitted.

Understanding ARFID

ARFID goes beyond typical picky eating habits.
The disorder can cause serious nutritional deficiencies.
It affects people regardless of body image concerns.

Summary

ARFID is a complex eating disorder that can severely impact health by restricting food intake without relation to body image, and its occurrence is increasing.

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Scientific American — 2025-11-05