‘Picky eating’ could indicate food disorder

MASSEY University health researchers are warning of an increasing number of extremely fussy eaters who are obese but nutrient deficient and living on a diet of ‘‘beige brigade’’ foods.

Extreme cases of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (Arfid) involve a diet of highly processed or highcarbohydrate foods such as chicken nuggets, hot chips, bread and noodles.

Restrictive eaters, especially children, choose food based on colours and textures.

She calls the foods they eat the ‘‘beige brigade’’.

‘‘We’re having children who are really picky eaters, or Arfid, and they’re obese.

‘‘We’re getting to the stage now where we could have a real health crisis on our hands because children are not having the fruit and veg, they’re not having those foods in their diet. It can actually be a problem healthwise, later on.’’

Children should have a base of 30 different foods that they will eat, Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said reflux as an infant or starting solid food too late were contributors to children developing Arfid later in life.