Being picky about food can be a sign of eating disorderA recent study indicates a concerning rise in eating disorders among individuals below the age of 17 years. According to the study, health visits related to eating disorders nearly doubled from 50,000 in 2018 to 100,000 in 2022. However, one significant issue lies in the delayed diagnosis for several of these disorders. Take, for example, a picky eating childhood, which is often dismissed by the parents as a passing phase that the child will eventually outgrow. Yet, if this behaviour persists and transforms into a condition where specific food textures, tastes, smells, or appearances trigger intense stress and anxiety, it may be an indication of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Unfortunately, ARFID is not easily distinguishable from picky eating, leading many children and adults to be at risk of developing underweight and malnourishment.
What is ARFID?Madhura Laxman, Head of wellness, Truworth Wellness says, “ARFID, also known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, is a condition characterised by restricted food intake. Unlike other eating disorders driven by negative self-image or the pursuit of body weight changes, ARFID is primarily triggered by fear and anxiety surrounding food or the potential consequences of eating, such as choking incidents.”
