Appetite versus Hunger + ARFID

Last month we held an educational support group on Appetite and ARFID that we got a lot of great response from. So much so we thought it would be helpful to share a little more on this topic to our readers and community!

So what is Appetite versus Hunger?

Appetite is a desire to eat that may occur with or without hunger. It can be psychological and/or emotional in cause. While hunger is a physiological sign indicating your body needs food/energy. Examples of psychological signs of hunger include trouble concentration, irritability (hanger), nausea, thinking about food, emptiness, feeling jittery or dizzy, headaches or rumbling hunger.

There are different factors that may impact impact hunger + appetite among those with ARFID including interoception differences, nervous system dysregulation (hypo/hyperarousal), GI symptoms, anxiety, depression, trauma response (masking, dissociation) among others.

So what are some ways you can support yourself/loved one who may be struggling with hunger/appetite?

• Keep a list of preferred/safe foods that are easily accessible to view.
• Set up eating invitation reminders or have others provide gentle reminders/invitations to eat.
• Have others grocery shop/ cook for you or use online grocery shopping or order delivery.
• Keep easy/low prep foods stocked.
• Identify sensory friendly environments to eat.
• Use distractions/fidgets while eating.

If you would like to get access to more information on this topic or other ARFID education groups and resources you can by..

1. Joining our ​Adult ARFID Community​ (for those who are 18+ with ARFID/suspected ARFID)
2. Or joining our ​ARFID Caregiver Community​ (caregivers of those with ARFID/suspected ARFID of any age)