¿Es picky eating o ARFID? Cuando comer deja de ser una etapa y se convierte en un problema clínico

Does your child only eat a few foods? Do they reject certain textures, colors, or temperatures? Have mealtimes become a source of stress, negotiation, or constant worry? In this episode, we address one of the most frequent concerns in childhood nutrition: picky eating. Is it simply a normal developmental stage, or could it be something more complex like ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)? To answer these questions, we are joined by Dr. Cipatli Ayuzo del Valle, pediatrician, researcher, and director of the Adolescent Clinic at Zambrano Hellion TecSalud Hospital, who helps us understand what is normal, what is not, and what signs warrant a specialized evaluation. We discuss how appetite evolves during childhood, what factors increase the risk of developing eating problems, what the different ARFID profiles are, and how this condition can affect growth, nutritional status, emotional health, and family dynamics. We also discuss practical strategies for parents and caregivers, common mistakes that worsen the problem, and the interventions with the strongest scientific backing for fostering a healthy relationship with food. This is an essential episode for parents, healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone who works with children who struggle with eating. Because not all picky eaters have an eating disorder, but identifying the right signs can make a huge difference to their health and well-being.