ARFID

As we will see, there are a few different ARFID types with slightly different symptoms. However, being able to spot the general signs of ARFID is usually the first step in recognising help is needed:

• Weight loss or poor weight gain
• Feeling weak or tired because you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs
• Stomach problems like pain or nausea after eating
• Using supplements or shakes to replace meals
• Avoiding meals with family or friends because eating feels too stressful
• Feeling really anxious or upset when certain foods are in front of you
• Constantly worrying about food or what you’re going to eat
• Children not growing or developing as they should

If you spot any of these symptoms of ARFID then you should seek a professional medical diagnosis.

ARFID isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition, and once you have recognised the general signs of ARFID, a more accurate diagnosis can be made. It shows up in different ways, and recognising the varying symptoms of ARFID can help you understand which type you have:

Sensory-Sensitive ARFID

For people with sensory-sensitive ARFID, food can feel unbearable because of how it looks, smells or feels. It’s not just about being “fussy” – the wrong texture or colour can cause intense anxiety, making it hard even to try certain foods.

Conditioned ARFID

Sometimes, ARFID develops after a bad experience with food, like choking or being sick when you are a child. That fear doesn’t go away easily, and it can lead to a fear of certain foods (or even the act of eating itself) to avoid the risk of it happening again.

Avoidant ARFID

A general disinterest in food drives Avoidant ARFID. You might not feel hungry or lack any motivation to eat. Because it only sometimes feels like a problem to the person experiencing it, Avoidant ARFID can often go unnoticed, making it especially tricky to treat.

ARFID doesn’t have one clear cause, and it is usually a mix of things that come together over time. Here are some common ones that are thought to play a role:

ARFID can have a serious impact on both your physical health and mental well-being. Understanding these dangers helps highlight why ARFID needs proper care and treatment.

Nutritional deficiencies

When your food choices are limited, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to keep you healthy. This can leave you constantly tired, prone to illnesses and struggling with low energy. For children and teens, it can even slow down growth and physical development, making it a major concern for their health.

Physical health issues

Without the right balance of food, your body can soon start to show the strain. Weakness, dizziness and extreme fatigue are common and over time, issues like brittle bones, thinning hair and dry skin can develop.

Mental health struggles

Constant worry about food can lead to anxiety, while feeling isolated or misunderstood can bring on depression. Obsessive thoughts about “safe” foods or eating habits can take over, making every meal a source of stress. In some cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts can develop which need to be immediately addressed.

If ARFID continues to go untreated, the long-term damage can be enormous. Malnutrition, organ failure and even death are all possibilities, which is why seeking help immediately is so important.

At Banbury Lodge, the focus is on helping you rebuild a healthy connection with food while working through the deeper issues behind ARFID.

ARFID treatment starts with a personalised meal plan that gently adds new foods to your diet at your own pace. This is done alongside nutritional counselling, where you will learn what your body needs and how to give it the right nutrients without becoming stressed or anxious.

Rehab treatment gives you the time and space to face the anxieties, fears or experiences that have shaped your eating habits. Recovery Lighthouse provides a mixture of therapies, including behavioural therapy, mindfulness and even activities like art and yoga to reframe negative thoughts about eating and start making positive changes.

Aftercare helps you carry the progress you’ve made into everyday life. Banbury Lodge offers ongoing support through weekly group therapy (100% free of charge for a year) and the invitation to join UKAT’s Alumni Network. We have regular meet-ups, social events and loads of fantastic resources to reinforce what you have achieved during treatment.

When every meal feels like a battle with food, life can be truly exhausting. Banbury Lodge can help you overcome the fears and frustrations of ARFID so food can go from a source of stress to something you look forward to. Let today be the day you take that first brave step toward a healthier, happier future. Reach out to us today, and we will help you turn things around.