Shining A Light On ARFID This Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024
It’s Eating Disorder Awareness Week (26th of February to 3rd of March 2024) which is organised by Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity. The campaign is to shine a light on this year’s theme of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, a largely unknown and misunderstood eating disorder.
ARFID stands for Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Someone might be avoiding and/or restricting their food for a number of different reasons.
1
Sensory-based avoidance; due to sensitivities to qualities like taste, texture or smell of different foods.
2
Concern about the consequences of eating.
Feelings of fear and anxiety around food or eating due to a previous distressing experience with food.
3
Having a low interest in eating.
Eating might seem a chore and not something that is enjoyed, resulting in them struggling to eat enough.
"A lot of people don’t understand and just think she’s fussy and doing it for attention”.
Why is ARFID an issue?
According to Beat, the key aspects of ARFID are that it can have a negative impact on the person’s physical health as well as on their psychological wellbeing.
Children and young people with ARFID may fail to gain weight as expected and their growth may be affected, with a slowing in height increase.
When a person does not have an adequate diet because they are only able to eat a narrow range of foods, they may not get essential nutrients needed for their health, development and ability to function on a day-to-day basis. In some people, serious weight loss or nutritional deficiencies may develop, which need treatment.
What support resources can people access?
Beat ARFID Support Group
Beat runs a ‘Hummingbird’ support group weekly which is a confidential, inclusive, and welcoming space for anyone who has or thinks they might have ARFID.
Find out more here: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/online-support-groups
Approaching Your GP
ARFID is recognised by the NHS and more information can be found here Overview – Eating disorders - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you are thinking about approaching your GP you may find this information from Beat helpful Going to the doctor - Beat (beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
Private GP appointments in Cheshire are also available by visiting Enigma Healthcare here Private GP Services | Enigma (enigmahealthcare.co.uk)
