What is it called when you don't like eating food?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the eating disorder charity Beat, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a specific diagnosis for those who don't like eating food due to sensory issues or fear, differentiating it from simple picky eating. Aversion to food, or even a loss of appetite, can stem from numerous physical and psychological conditions, and it is important to understand the distinctions to identify the right course of action.

Quick Summary

This article explores the medical and psychological terms for not wanting to eat food, such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and the broad term anorexia. It details the unique characteristics, causes, and impacts of these conditions, differentiating them from normal picky eating and highlighting when professional intervention is necessary for nutritional and mental health.

Key Points

ARFID is Distinct from Anorexia Nervosa: Unlike anorexia nervosa, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is not motivated by body image concerns or fear of weight gain, but by fear, sensory issues, or low interest in food.
Anorexia is the Medical Term for Low Appetite: The general medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia, which is different from the psychiatric condition anorexia nervosa.
Trauma Can Trigger Aversions: Negative experiences with food, such as choking or food poisoning, can lead to learned food aversions.
Sensory Issues are a Common Cause: A heightened sensitivity to a food's texture, smell, taste, or appearance is a major cause of ARFID, especially in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Seeking Professional Help is Crucial: If a dislike for food significantly impacts health, seeking a diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional is vital to prevent serious complications like malnutrition.
Treatment Often Involves Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure techniques are often used to address the psychological aspects of food aversions.
ARFID affects Individuals of all Ages: While often beginning in childhood, ARFID can persist or emerge in adulthood and is a distinct clinical issue from childhood picky eating.

Understanding Food Aversion and Apathy

The phrase "when you don't like eating food" is a broad description that can encompass several distinct medical and psychological phenomena. The most precise term for a severe form of this issue that can lead to health complications is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Unlike other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns, but by a lack of interest in food, a fear of negative consequences (like choking or vomiting), or sensory sensitivities to food's taste, texture, smell, or appearance. The general medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia, which should not be confused with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Understanding the difference is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While one may simply have a reduced desire for food, another may have a complex, ingrained pattern of avoidance that severely impacts their life.

Causes Behind Food Aversion

The reasons someone might lose their appetite or develop food aversion are varied and can be interconnected. They range from temporary issues to chronic conditions. A single traumatic event, such as a bad bout of food poisoning, can trigger a lasting aversion to that specific food. More persistent problems can arise from underlying mental and physical health issues. Anxiety and depression can suppress appetite by releasing stress hormones that slow digestion. Some neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, are also frequently linked with severe sensory-based food aversions. For some, it might be a symptom of a gastrointestinal disease or a side effect of medication.

Traumatic Experiences: Fear of choking, vomiting, or an allergic reaction following a specific incident can condition a person to avoid certain foods.
Sensory Issues: An intense sensitivity to a food’s texture, smell, or appearance can make it physically and psychologically difficult to eat.
Psychological Factors: Conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder can significantly impact a person's relationship with food.
Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, infections, and some medications can reduce appetite.
Neurological Differences: A higher prevalence of ARFID is seen in individuals with ASD and ADHD, often due to heightened sensory sensitivities.

ARFID vs. Anorexia Nervosa

Distinguishing between ARFID and anorexia nervosa is important because the underlying motivations and treatment approaches are different. The table below highlights key differences.


Feature	Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)	Anorexia Nervosa
Core Motivation	Fear of negative consequences, sensory aversions, or lack of interest in eating.	Intense fear of gaining weight; body shape/size concerns.
Body Image	Not a primary concern.	Distorted body image is a core feature.
Range of Food	Extremely limited range of acceptable foods.	Calorie and food type restriction, often a result of dieting.
Psychological State	Anxiety around eating, low appetite, or general disinterest.	Intense anxiety and distress related to weight and eating.
Onset	Often begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood.	Typically starts in adolescence.

What to Do If You Don't Like Eating

If you find that your dislike for food is persistent and impacting your health, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a general practitioner or a registered dietitian. They can help rule out underlying medical conditions and provide a referral to a mental health professional if needed. Treatment often involves a multi-pronged approach that addresses both nutritional deficiencies and the psychological components of the aversion.

Here are some strategies that can be helpful:

Gradual Exposure: For sensory-based aversions, working with a feeding therapist can help introduce new foods slowly and systematically.
Dietary Adjustments: Replacing nutrients from avoided foods with supplements or alternative foods is crucial to prevent deficiencies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This can help identify and change the problematic thoughts and behaviors related to eating.
Creating a Positive Meal Environment: Reducing pressure around mealtimes and focusing on positive associations with food can be beneficial.
Journaling: Keeping a food diary can help identify patterns and triggers for aversions and a lack of appetite.

Conclusion

Not liking to eat food is a complex issue with various potential causes, and it's far more nuanced than simple picky eating. The clinical terms range from the general medical diagnosis of anorexia (loss of appetite) to the specific eating disorder Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Identifying the root cause is the first and most important step toward finding the right solution. For those struggling, seeking professional help is essential to address the nutritional, physical, and psychological aspects of the condition. With proper care and support, it is possible to develop a healthier relationship with food and improve overall well-being.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek professional help.

Beat Eating Disorders is an excellent resource for information and support related to ARFID and other eating disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

A severe aversion to specific food textures is often a symptom of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), particularly the sensory-based subtype.

No, while picky eating is a common phase for many children, food aversion in the context of ARFID is more severe and persistent, often leading to nutritional deficiencies and significant distress.

Yes, psychological factors like anxiety and stress can lead to a decreased appetite by affecting the body's digestive system through stress hormones.

You should consider it serious if it results in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or major social impacts, and if you have an intense, persistent fear or anxiety related to eating.

Yes, while often identified in childhood, ARFID can and does affect adults. Its recognition as a distinct disorder in the DSM-5 has increased awareness of its existence in adults.

Treatment for ARFID often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional counseling, and responsive feeding therapy to address the root causes and nutritional needs.

The general medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia, which is a symptom of various potential underlying issues and is not the same as the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.