The Alarming Rise in ARFID
The prevalence of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) has shown a dramatic increase in recent years, with health experts documenting concerning trends across multiple channels. According to the eating disorder charity Beat, one in seven calls to their helpline now concern ARFID, compared to just one in 50 five years ago—representing a staggering 700% increase. Even more troubling, 28% of calls regarding children under 16 are now ARFID-related, highlighting how this condition disproportionately affects younger populations.
This surge isn't isolated to the UK. Across the United States, clinical directors at eating disorder treatment centers are reporting similar patterns. Leilani Sechler, clinical director at the Eating Recovery Center in Sacramento, notes, "It's something we're seeing a lot more of. I don't know if it's becoming more and more common or if it's that people are recognizing more and more that this is a type of eating disorder that also needs treatment."
Health experts in Michigan have also reported rising ARFID cases, particularly among children, according to recent reports from WLNS 6 News. Despite this growing prevalence, approximately 80% of eating disorder services don't clearly state whether they treat ARFID on their websites, creating a significant treatment gap.
One critical challenge is distinguishing ARFID from typical picky eating. "The main difference between this and picky eaters is picky eaters grow out of it," explains Sechler. Warning signs include "long-standing" food limitations where a child "can really only tolerate a few foods," disruption to their normal growth trajectory, and other signs of malnourishment.
ARFID is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food avoidance not related to body image concerns. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, people with ARFID restrict their eating due to sensory sensitivities (texture, taste, smell), fear of negative consequences (choking, vomiting), or apparent lack of interest in food. Some individuals may also develop fears around eating in public settings.
The disorder can lead to significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, growth issues in children, and social impairment. Treatment typically requires a multidisciplinary approach involving:
Psychiatrists for diagnosis and medication management
Psychologists specializing in eating disorders who provide therapies like CBT
Registered dietitians for nutritional rehabilitation
Occupational therapists to address sensory processing issues
Pediatricians or primary care physicians for medical monitoring
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