Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an increasingly recognized eating disorder among patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Characterized by food avoidance or restriction, sometimes driven by sensory sensitivities, ARFID can significantly complicate dietary management and expose patients to the risks associated with prolonged restrictive diets, such as the low-FODMAP diet.

In this interview, Chloé Melchior, from Rouen University Hospital, France, explains why gastroenterologists and general practitioners should be able to recognize ARFID and adapt their therapeutic strategies accordingly. She highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care involving dietitians, psychologists, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medical treatment. Given the limited clinical evidence currently available, she also emphasizes the need for further research into ARFID pathophysiology, patient subtypes, and personalized treatment approaches.