Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is previously known as feeding disorder or selective eating disorder. Someone with ARFID avoids eating certain foods, limits how much they eat, or does both. 

When a person develops ARFID, they are less worried about their body weight or shape and develop the eating disorder for other reasons, which include:

  • a dislike of the smell, texture or taste of certain foods.
  • feeling anxious following a negative experience with food, for example choking or sickness. 
  • previous fussiness with eating which develops into a more severe dislike of certain foods.
  • a lack of interest in food and not feeling hungry.

ARFID is more common in children with learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum condition (ASC).

Seek urgent help if you have rapidly lost weight for longer than a few weeks, lost weight over three months, or think your eating is out of control. Speak to your family doctor (GP) if any of these happening to you or a young person you care for.