Velázquez, Tonko Introduce Resolution Recognizing ARFID as a Serious Eating Disorder

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced a resolution recognizing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder and calling for urgent action to advance awareness, early identification, research, and equitable access to care.

"Far too many children and families are struggling with ARFID without a diagnosis, without answers, and without access to the specialized care they need," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "This is a serious, clinically recognized eating disorder, yet it remains widely misunderstood, even among health care providers. Our resolution commits Congress to advancing the research, screening, and treatment infrastructure needed so that no family has to navigate AFRID alone."

"ARFID is a serious, misunderstood eating disorder that affects people from all walks of life and can have lasting effects on both physical and mental health," Congressman Tonko said. "Despite the known, grave impacts of this disorder, many Americans across the country remain undiagnosed and face significant barriers in accessing appropriate screening and treatment services. I'm proud to join Representative Velázquez to bring attention to this issue and call on Congress to recognize the need to improve diagnosis and expand access to life-saving multidisciplinary care."

ARFID is clinically recognized in the DSM-5 as an eating disorder characterized by a persistent failure to meet nutritional or energy needs. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns. Instead, it may stem from heightened sensory sensitivities, a lack of interest in eating, or fear of consequences such as choking or vomiting. The disorder typically emerges in early childhood and, without timely intervention, can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, impaired growth and development, and dependence on feeding tubes.

Converging scientific evidence demonstrates that ARFID has a strong biological and genetic basis. The Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden found the disorder's heritability to be as high as approximately 79 percent. ARFID is also closely associated with neurodevelopmental conditions: children with ARFID are 14 times more likely to have autism, and 11 percent of autistic children meet the criteria for ARFID.

Despite the seriousness of the disorder, lack of awareness among health care providers, educators, and the public contributes to delayed diagnosis, mischaracterization of symptoms, and barriers to evidence-based treatment.

The resolution recognizes ARFID as a serious eating disorder and calls for improved early recognition, expanded research into its biological and neurodevelopmental roots, and greater access to multidisciplinary care. It urges federal, state, and local governments to strengthen screening, clinical training, and referral pathways in pediatric and primary care; calls on schools to provide appropriate accommodations for affected students; and supports expanding community-based services such as feeding therapy, nutrition services, and behavioral health care.

The resolution is endorsed by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.

"The National Alliance for Eating Disorders applauds Congresswoman Velázquez for this resolution. ARFID is a serious, clinically recognized eating disorder that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds - and so often, it goes unrecognized, misunderstood, and undertreated. ARFID deserves the awareness, research, and equitable access to care that every person struggling deserves. We are deeply grateful to the Congresswoman for her leadership and her commitment to helping ensure that no one has to navigate this disorder alone. Together, we can help build a future where individuals affected by ARFID are seen, supported, and given a real pathway to healing." - Johanna Kandel, Founder & CEO, National Alliance for Eating Disorders

"We thank Congresswoman Velazquez on her leadership to raise awareness for AFRID, which is a type of eating disorder that is frequently misunderstood and often undiagnosed," said Allison Ivie, MPP, Government Relations Representative for the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action. "This resolution will continue to support efforts to educate the public about all eating disorders and ensure this mental illness remains a public health priority."

For a copy of the resolution, click here.