Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID, formerly known as a selective eating disorder, is a food intake condition in which patients refuse to consume certain foods. The unwillingness to consume a certain type of food might be based on its texture, appearance, smell, or even the brand.

ARFID is not driven by a compulsive need to reduce weight or a negative body image like other eating disorders. As a result, most persons with ARFID maintain a healthy diet and body weight. Even though several eating disorder types are more common in women, a study indicated that ARFID is more commonly diagnosed in boys. According to another study, people with autism are more likely to obsessively avoid certain types of food.