Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) deviates in nature from anorexia and bulimia in that the food avoidance/restriction isn’t driven by a desire for weight loss. There are cases, though, where people with ARFID develop symptoms of anorexia nervosa (e.g., preoccupation with weight loss, poor body image). People with ARFID are in a persistent state of nutrient deficit due to extreme pickiness or fear-based reasons for avoiding certain foods. ARFID affects infants and children primarily, though adults have this eating disorder as well. 

Common signs/symptoms: 

• Limited list of “acceptable” foods
• Small appetite & little desire to eat food
• Fear-based avoidance of certain foods (e.g., fear of nausea, choking, vomiting, etc.)— can occur following an adverse food experience, like food poisoning 
• Sensory-based avoidance of certain foods (e.g., appearance, color, texture, etc.)

Medical complications (similar to those of anorexia):

• Malnutrition 
• Kidney, liver, & cardiac issues
• Low blood sugar
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Anemia— lack of oxygen-rich blood
• Constipation
• Bloating