A 12-year-old boy from Massachusetts has permanently lost his vision due to a diet consisting only of junk food, including fries, pretzels, burgers, donuts, and packaged juices. Diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), he suffered from severe nutritional deficiencies that impacted his eye health. The boy, who has autism and a fear of certain food textures, consumed only fast food, leading to complications such as darkening vision and difficulty walking. Within six weeks, he could no longer navigate without help, and after waking up unable to see, he was taken to the emergency room.
ARFID: A Junk Food Diet’s Impact on Health and Vision
Doctors discovered that his diet caused significant deficiencies in nutrients essential for eye health, leading to potential permanent vision loss despite attempts to provide supplements and therapy. ARFID, unlike picky eating, causes long-term consequences, including malnutrition, dehydration, and even life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest and delayed puberty. ARFID is distinct from typical food aversions because it severely restricts food intake, leading to serious health complications over time.
The disorder is not linked to body image concerns or a desire to lose weight, but rather to factors like high anxiety, fear, and possibly genetic or environmental influences. It can affect physical growth, social interactions, and cause behavioural changes, such as avoiding meals or specific food textures. Symptoms include weight loss, stomach issues, fatigue, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, ARFID can lead to permanent damage to the body and impair overall health. Treatment requires professional intervention to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
Summary:
A 12-year-old boy from Massachusetts lost his vision due to a junk food-only diet caused by Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). The condition led to severe nutritional deficiencies, affecting his eye health and overall wellbeing. ARFID, distinct from picky eating, causes long-term health issues and requires professional treatment.
