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General health information

Eating problems

An eating problem means that eating, appetite or food choices are difficult, without the reason yet being clear. Physical illness, swallowing problems, pain, stress, sensory sensitivity, food shortages or an emerging eating disorder may contribute. Have persistent symptoms, growth or weight changes and warning signs assessed.

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  • An eating problem may be temporary but can also be the first sign of physical illness, swallowing difficulties or an eating disorder.
  • Severity is not determined by weight alone; dehydration, growth, deficiencies, anxiety and functioning also matter.
  • Children and adults may avoid food or eat little for very different reasons.
  • Calm regularity often helps more than pressure, punishment, bargaining or comments about bodies and portions.
  • Persistent or worsening problems or warning signs require assessment by your family doctor.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
A
ARFIDARFID is an eating disorder in which someone avoids or restricts food so much that nutrition, growth or daily life suffers, without fear of weight gain being the main reason.
U
Unexplained physical symptomsUnexplained physical symptoms are real symptoms for which appropriate investigations have not yet found a complete physical explanation. This does not mean they are imagined. A regular doctor, a broad explanation and gradual recovery may help, while new warning signs are investigated again.
E
Eating disordersAn eating disorder is a serious mental health condition in which eating, body image or behaviour around food disrupt health and daily life. You can be seriously ill at any weight. Early treatment improves the chance of recovery; have physical warning signs and safety concerns assessed immediately.