Which characteristic is NOT associated with a diagnosis of ARFID?

The diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by several key traits, and one of these is not related to distorted body image. Individuals with ARFID often demonstrate a lack of interest in eating, which can lead to significantly reduced food intake. They might also avoid certain foods based on sensory characteristics such as taste, texture, or smell. Moreover, there may be concern about adverse consequences of eating, such as fear of choking or gastrointestinal discomfort.

However, a distorted body image is primarily associated with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. In ARFID, the focus is generally not on body weight or shape, but rather on the avoidance of food due to sensory experiences or other factors that do not pertain to how the person perceives their body. This distinction is crucial in understanding ARFID and differentiating it from other eating disorders that are influenced by body image concerns.