ARFID – What’s Being Talked About and What You Should Know
The diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder or better known as ARFID became recognized as an eating disorder in 2013. This new diagnosis has helped provide parents with clarity on certain behaviors their child might be showing with food, which often leads to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, poor weight gain, and dependence on alternative forms of nutrition.
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Since it’s such a new diagnosis, it may not be commonly heard amongst celebrities and news, however more recently, Emily Simpson from The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOOC) has spoken out loud about her son’s recent struggle with ARFID.
I’m admittedly a fan of the “The Real Housewives” series on Bravo channel, and Emily’s journey on the RHOOC has always been a particular favorite of mine due to her more logical approach to problems, hilarious friendship with Gina, and her openness (and relatable journey) of her body image journey.
You can tell that this 2025 season Emily is making it a mission to spread awareness on ARFID and in many scenes you see a glimpse of the struggles a real family may have with a child who struggles with this disorder. Many have bashed her saying that her son’s struggle may be related to constant body image issues and remarks that is shown between this particular friend group, however it’s important to realize that ARFID is not an eating disorder related to body image whatso-ever.
ARFID effects individuals of all ages, however according to a 2022 review in the Nutrients journal, it’s more likely to be diagnosed in older children and younger adolescents, more often in boys than girls. Pediatricians who monitor a child’s growth are likely to be one of the first individuals to correctly diagnose a child with ARFID.
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Signs:
Some signs parents may notice with a child with ARFID include sensory sensitivity in foods with meats, vegetables, and fruits. Common sensitivities may be related to a dislike of tastes, textures, and smells. Another symptom may also be a lack of interest in food or an overall low appetite.
Other concerns a child may have when eating food may be related to a relationship between anxiety and food. They may report having fears of choking on food, experiencing stomach pain, or vomiting.
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Symptoms:
Symptoms that may warrant a visit to a doctor’s office may include lost in weight or poor growth, stomach pain, low body temperature, lethargy, irregular menstrual cycles in females, fainting or dizziness, fine hair on your child’s body, and/or muscle weakness. If your child is experiencing these symptoms along with other positive findings hospitalists look for, there may be a chance they get admitted to a hospital to help manage theses symptoms and come up with a plan to help your child work through their diagnosis.
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Consequences:
Just like any other eating disorder, consequences of ARFID can become life threatening such malnutrition and low blood pressure, so it’s essential that if your child is showing signs of ARFID that you take the signs seriously to consider if they need help that goes beyond regular parenting skills.
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Getting Help:
As shown in Emily’s story, managing a child with ARFID can cause strain in parenting styles and family dynamics since at times this diagnosis feels overwhelming. However, if a professional multi-disciplinary approach is involved, then they can help parents work through the struggles of their child’s ARFID diagnosis. I recommend ensuring your team includes a pediatrician, dietitian, psychologist, and a feeding therapist. It may also be important that parents participate in therapy to also help feel supported.
It's important to know that each case of ARFID is highly individualized, so treatment may look different for each child. Since this is considered a mental disorder, your child may experience a life-long struggle with ARFID, so it’s important as parents to be supportive and know that managing this disorder goes beyond normal parenting skills. This means it’s okay to seek help within medical professionals who handle this diagnosis.
I hope you enjoyed this read and that it may have provided some clarity on this newer diagnosis. This is your friendly reminder to seek out help whenever it’s needed!
Maura Fowler, MPH RDN CPH