Tag: Adult picky eater

According to a 2018 study published in the *International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity*, appetitive traits from childhood picky eating can carry over into adulthood, affecting dietary choices and even psychosocial well-being. While many assume picky eating is a phase, the reality is far more complex, with a variety of deeply rooted causes keeping adults on a very limited menu.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) affects people of all ages, extending beyond typical childhood fussiness. Many people want to understand the root causes of a restricted diet, asking, "Why am I such an extreme picky eater?"

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, picky eaters are more likely to have lower intakes of dietary fiber, iron, and zinc. Fortunately, it is possible to improve gut health as a picky eater by focusing on gradual, positive changes to your diet and habits.

Research estimates that the prevalence of picky eating ranges from 15–35 percent across the lifespan, and many adults continue to struggle with it. Understanding what causes extreme picky eating in adults is the first step toward addressing a condition that is often dismissed as a childhood habit.