ARFID
While many children could be considered “picky eaters” and even many adults consider themselves picky with certain foods, those with ARFID are so limited in what they will eat that it has a significant negative impact on their health status. Those suffering from ARFID avoid foods due to things like texture, appearance, smell, taste, or negative experiences they associate with certain foods.
ARFID presents similarly to Anorexia Nervosa (AN) with low body weight or significant weight loss and restricted eating, but unlike with AN, those with ARFID do not typically have any desire to change their body through restricted intake. Due to limited intake and severe food aversions, ARFID can lead to nutrient deficiencies and failure to grow, which can lead to long-term complications.
A dietitian’s role in the treatment of ARFID: The main goal of nutrition therapy is to expand variety and adequacy of the diet to provide all required nutrition in the least restricted way. Treatment typically includes planned and controlled exposures to foods and supplementation of nutrients not able to be provided through the diet alone. Weight restoration is usually a part of the treatment process as well in order to normalize body/brain functioning. As with AN, it is important that the RD monitors for complications that can arise, including refeeding syndrome and electrolyte imbalances.
As our patients respond to treatment, we will also guide them through correcting distorted views of food and expand the variety of their diet to include adequate amounts and types of foods to promote a high quality of life.
While our patients work through their eating disorder, we also work with the support team at home to understand what their loved one is going through and the best ways to support them with their recovery.