Eating disorders in children are problems that can seriously affect their physical and emotional health, interfering in their normal growth and development. Dr. Mercedes Garcia, a pediatrician at the Plaza Lima Sur Medical Center of Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides valuable information on Avoidant Restrictive Feeding Disorder (ARFID) to help parents and caregivers identify and effectively treat this problem early.

What is Avoidant Restrictive Food intake Disorder (ARFID)?

• ARFID is a diagnosis that is often confused with picky eating. ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is an Eating Behavior Disorder characterized by the intake of very small amounts of food and the complete rejection of certain foods.
• Poor growth and nutrition are two of the most frequent consequences of this disorder.
• It differs from anorexia and bulimia in that in ARFID there is no concern about body image or weight.
• It can often go unnoticed because it is confused with the stages of selectivity in childhood.
• Not all behavior in which the child avoids food intake can be categorized as ARFID.

Parents and/or caregivers should pay attention if a child manifests:

• Lack of interest in food and eating.
• Lack of appetite.
• Eating too slowly.
• Eating small portions.
• Avoidance of foods because they do not like the color, texture, smell or taste.
• Fear of choking or vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, heartburn, nausea and constipation.
• Weight loss and signs of malnutrition.
• Avoidance of socializing during meals.

Recommendations for parents and caregivers:

• During meals the atmosphere should be relaxed, maintain a neutral attitude.
• Limit the duration of meals (between 20 to 30 minutes).
• Offer 4 to 6 meals a day (depending on age) with only water in between.
• Serve appropriate foods in age-appropriate amounts.
• Parents choose the type, timing and location of feedings. The child decides how much food to eat.
• Introduce new foods gradually.
• Encourage independent feeding and tolerate age-appropriate messiness (they can touch and explore).
• Avoid noises and distractions during meals (TV, cell phones, toys, among others).
• Parents and adults at home should model good eating habits.

Remember:

Children with ARFID can overcome their aversion to food and regain their growth and weight with the help of our specialists in Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Nutrition, Psychology and Psychiatry.

Dr. Mercedes Garcia
Pediatrician at the Center Medical Plaza Lima Sur of Clinica Ricardo Palma