AS part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2024 (February 26 to March 3), NHS Borders is highlighting a "misunderstood" condition.

According to UK figures, around 1.25 million people live with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders include anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, and ARFID (avoidant/restricted food intake disorder) - the focus of this year's awareness week.

ARFID differs from other eating disorders as sufferers do not avoid or restrict foods due to concerns about their weight or body shape.

Rather, the condition presents in other ways, including:

  • Some children and adults find certain textures, smells or tastes overwhelming or uncomfortable
  • Some people worry that eating certain foods might make them choke or feel sick, this might be based on a previous difficult experience
  • Some individuals may not eat as much or be interested in a variety of foods

Rachel Megahy, clinical psychologist at NHS Borders, said: “While many of us may not be keen on certain foods or have friends that avoid specific ingredients such as mushrooms, fish or chillies; it’s important to understand that ARFID is a much more serious condition.

“ARFID can have a negative impact on someone’s physical health as well as their psychological wellbeing.

"For example, physical symptoms can include having a nutritional deficiency or being dependent on nutritional supplements.

"Then there can be psychological challenges such as anxiety around going out with friends or on holiday.

"Someone with ARFID can struggle to manage social occasions, make new friends, or establish close relationships due to the social aspect of eating."

Those with ARFID may lose weight or have low weight, but it can affect people of any weight and the impact of the disorder can vary from person to person.

Ms Megahy added: “Too often, misconceptions about fussy eating trivialise this serious condition and the stigma and fear of judgement can mean that those with ARFID and their carers suffer in silence.

"We want to promote a better understanding of ARFID, for people to be able to spot the signs sooner and help more people get the support they deserve.”

If you, or someone you care about, is worried they may have an eating disorder, please speak to your GP or access the support available from the UK’s eating disorder charity Beat.