UK eating disorder charity says calls from people with Arfid has risen sevenfold

Beat chief says NHS bosses must end postcode lottery in care for people with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder

The number of people in the UK who have a previously little-known eating disorder, in which those afflicted avoid many foods, has risen sevenfold in five years, figures show.

The eating disorders charity Beat received 295 calls about avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (Arfid) in 2018 – comprising 2% of its 20,535 inquiries that year. However, it received 2,054 calls last year, which accounted for one in 10 of its 20,535 requests for help. Many were from children and young people or their parents.

Feeling full after eating only a few mouthfuls and struggling to consume more.

Taking a long time over mealtimes or finding eating a chore.

Sensitivity to the texture, smell or temperature of foods.

Eating the same meals repeatedly or eating food only of the same colour, such as beige.

Avoidance of sensory aspects, such as particular tastes, smells, textures and look of foods.

An apparent lack of interest in food.

Concern about adverse consequences, such as a fear of choking or vomiting or fear of new foods