What Is ARFID? Bryan Kohberger’s Eating Disorder Explained

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One eating disorder is becoming increasingly prevalent.

In the past decade, ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, has been increasingly recognized by mental health professionals, with diagnosis rates almost doubling since 2017, as suggested by a study reported in The Cut.

Included among those diagnosed with an eating disorder is Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old currently serving four concurrent life sentences for the 2022 murders of Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, and Ethan Chapin.

A document submitted to court in June, obtained by People magazine, revealed that ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) was one of four mental health issues diagnosed in Kohberger before his admission to the murders. Additionally, as reported by their documents, he was identified with Level 1 autism, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, involves limiting the amount and type of food one consumes. Unlike disorders like anorexia or bulimia, ARFID isn’t about having a distorted body image or wishing to lose weight. Instead, it often stems from a avoidance of certain foods due to various reasons, such as their texture, taste, or fear of choking. This disorder can affect both children and adults.

In 2013, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (often referred to as DSM) recognized Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) among the mental health disorders diagnosed and classified by healthcare providers.

Based on DSM-5 guidelines, as reported by The Cut, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) typically falls into three main categories. First, there are individuals who exhibit little interest in food from birth, and for many of these cases, a history of being tube-fed can be identified. This early tube feeding may lead to the bypassing of the natural process of eating physically, which could potentially cause difficulties in developing hunger cues or mastering swallowing mechanics later on in life.

In simpler terms, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) can reoccur, where individuals may develop a strong dislike or sensitivity towards certain food smells, tastes, temperatures, and textures. This sensitivity often makes them uncomfortable eating a wide variety of foods, instead preferring only select ones. This condition is frequently linked with neurodiversity and commonly affects people on the autism spectrum, similar to Bryan’s experience.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) can manifest in a third frequent form, marked by the development of a fear towards eating, often as a result of a traumatic experience like choking or associated with other mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder.

In recent times, as eating disorders have gained more visibility and understanding, there’s been a corresponding increase in diagnoses. For instance, Emily Simpson from “The Real Housewives of Orange County” recently disclosed that her son, Luke, is dealing with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Emily mentioned during the season 19 premiere on July 10 that Luke has been very selective about food for some time, but it has become increasingly severe over the past year, to the point where he hardly eats at all. She went on to say that she took Luke to a therapist because he doesn’t comprehend when he’s hungry and finds food in general repulsive, as shared during a private conversation.

Although the 49-year-old woman, along with her husband Shane Simpson, have become more flexible and tolerant regarding their son Luke’s eating habits (they also share a daughter Annabelle, 12, and a twin son Keller with Luke), her understanding of his disorder has not alleviated her concerns nor lessened the negative impacts of the condition.

Emily expressed her concern, her voice trembling slightly, “His lack of food intake seems to leave him feeling low on energy. This seems to influence his mood, yet I don’t think he realizes the connection himself.

She added, “I’m concerned that he might not be receiving adequate nourishment. I fear he could be the peculiar student at school who doesn’t eat, and I worry his peers will bully him for it. Ultimately, I wish nothing more than for my child to be content.

Thankfully, in the time since the series wrapped, Emily said Luke has made great strides.

In an interview with TopMob News in July, she shared that Luke has significantly improved since the filming days. At that time, he was under a lot of stress, and his absence from school added to it as well.

In addition to being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD, she added, “He experiences intense separation anxiety around me. Over time, we have made great efforts to help him cope better. Now he is more at ease when I come and go.

For more stars who have opened up about health challenges, keep reading.

During a July 2025 wrestling match, the former participant of Total Bellas disclosed that following an elbow strike by fellow WWE star Piper Niven, one of her breast implants moved out of position.

She assured her sister Bella Garcia then, ‘Everything’s alright.’ She added, ‘We’ll sort this out eventually. I told the doctor, “Now that I’m newly divorced, as soon as I retire these boots, I’ll be back to you, and together we’ll ensure these ladies look their best. After all, these ladies are bound to receive attention in the future, and it’s important they don’t appear like this.’

In 2014, the actress who played a pivotal role in “12 Years a Slave” was diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths that can appear within or near the uterus. This diagnosis came during the same year she received an Oscar for her exceptional performance in that movie.

Yet, she didn’t reveal her diagnosis until 2025. On Instagram, she shared that she had been silently enduring the condition for over a decade.

As we enter puberty, we’re often led to believe that experiencing pain during menstruation is just a normal aspect of female life, which she pointed out many women endure on their own without proper support or understanding.

 

In July 2025, the member of Daisy Jones & The Six music group announced that they had been admitted to the hospital due to a hernia, which is a tear in the muscular wall often occurring in the abdomen or pelvic region, as a result of wearing tightly fitted trousers.

She wrote on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, saying, “‘You don’t post on Twitter anymore,'” followed by, “I’ve had something to confess: six months ago, my pants were so tight they gave me a hernia, and I’ve been too nervous to tell you about it.

In the month of April 2025, an ex-cast member of “Beverly Hills, 90210” shared that he was on the road to recovery following an operation, as his appendix had come dangerously close to rupturing.

A week ago, Brian mentioned in an Instagram video that he began experiencing discomfort in his abdomen. This led him to visit the emergency room, where it was found that his appendix had a small hole, not yet fully ruptured.

He added, “I’m on the road to recovery. It’s not an easy process. This is my first major surgery.”

Adam Devine revealed that the injuries he received from being struck by a cement truck at age 11 continue to impact him up until now.

In the 2025 edition of the “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” podcast, Devine expressed that it had been a harrowing experience for him. He detailed his constant muscle spasms and the doctors’ grim predictions, stating that they informed him he was close to death – specifically within the last year.

He observed that the pain fluctuates occasionally, mentioning, “There seems to be several issues in my body that aren’t quite right or functioning perfectly.

In simpler terms, a former contestant from Bachelor Nation revealed that he ended up in the hospital, moving on hands and knees, because of intense back pain that worsened during a camping trip with a buddy.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that quote as follows: “Currently, I’m experiencing an odd sensation in my legs, reminiscent of tingling sensations up to my toes. This is quite astonishing given my recent strength training accomplishments. Around three weeks ago, or possibly a month, I was able to perform squats with approximately 295 pounds. Today, I find myself unable to execute even a single-leg squat without losing balance – it’s as if I’ve suffered some kind of neurological issue.

But with the help of a back specialist and some steroids, he added, “We’re on the mend.”

Gina Kirschenheiter from “Real Housewives of Orange County” revealed that her former spouse, Matt Kirschenheiter, had a heart attack in March 2025. Fortunately, he made it through this difficult experience.

During a New York Knicks basketball match in March 2025, the prominent figure from the show 30 Rock experienced a health emergency at Madison Square Garden, causing him to be transported out of the venue in a wheelchair.

Yet, the comic posted an update on social media the next day, mentioning it was due to food poisoning and that he was recovering well.

In February 2025, the former star of Even Stevens revealed that she had been accidentally shot in the face during a clay pigeon shooting trip to celebrate her husband, Brendan Rooney’s, birthday.

She posted on Instagram that there was another group present who accidentally discharged their firearm inappropriately, striking her in the face. In an instant, @thebrendanrooney took charge, evaluated me, and whisked me off to the hospital. I sustained injuries in five locations, one of which was mere inches away from directly hitting my right eye.

The former star of “Kim Possible” added that unfortunately, a piece became stuck near his eye, making it currently unsafe for surgery to extract it. However, doctors are keeping close tabs on him, and he can see clearly as of now.

Experiencing a profound moment of gratitude, I’ve come to realize how deeply I cherish my daughters, husband, family, and friends. A fleeting instant made me glimpse my life’s recap, and I can’t stress enough the importance of seizing every opportunity to embrace those dear to you. Life, as we know it, can shift unexpectedly.

Although the internet can sometimes be unkind, Amy Schumer is grateful that in this instance, it provided her with valuable information. In a 2025 episode of Call Her Daddy, she reminisced about facing criticism for her appearance after doing numerous interviews. However, medical professionals chimed in on social media and suggested she might have Cushing syndrome due to elevated cortisol levels or steroid injections. Upon realizing she had been receiving steroid injections to treat scars from surgeries like a breast reduction and C-section, Amy made the connection between this treatment and her diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Now, she is relieved to have learned that her condition will resolve itself and that she is healthy overall, as she shared in a 2024 News Not Noise newsletter.

In December 2024, a player in the American Hockey League got 25 stitches following an incident where he was accidentally sliced by another player’s skate during a game. Later, when his son had fully recovered, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald expressed his relief to ESPN, saying, “We consider ourselves fortunate. I wouldn’t wish that experience on any parent.

In March 2022, Hailey Bieber, the skincare entrepreneur, experienced a frightening incident during breakfast with her husband Justin Bieber. As she began to exhibit symptoms similar to a stroke, she found herself unable to speak or move the right side of her face. After some time, her speech returned and the facial drooping ceased, but Hailey decided to seek medical attention to ensure everything was okay.

Upon examination, doctors discovered that Hailey had experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) due to a small blood clot in her brain. Further investigation at the University of California, Los Angeles revealed that Hailey had a heart condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO). The blood clot had traveled through this hole in her heart, escaped into her brain, and caused the TIA.

After undergoing a PFO closure procedure, Hailey reported feeling well.

During the same year when Hailey went through her health scare, Justin also faced his own medical challenge. In June 2022, the “Baby” singer revealed he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition causing temporary facial paralysis which forced him to postpone the rest of his Justice World Tour.

In an Instagram video, he explained that this virus affected the nerve in his ear and facial nerves, leading to paralysis on one side of his face. He could not blink from one eye, smile on that side of his face, or move his nostril. “As you can see,” he said, “this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move. So, there’s full paralysis on this side of my face.”

He informed his fans that it had become progressively difficult for him to eat. However, the paralysis eventually subsided. Hailey shared on a June 2022 episode of Good Morning America that Justin was recovering well and feeling much better. She expressed her relief saying, “He’s going to be totally fine,” adding, “It was just a very scary and random situation to happen, but he’s going to be okay.

In April 2023, Jamie Foxx initially chose to keep secret his hospitalization details, but eventually shared his experience. During a day in Atlanta, as he recounted in his 2024 Netflix special “What Had Happened Was…”, he complained of a severe headache and asked for an aspirin. Before obtaining it, he fainted and lost consciousness for 20 days.

Upon being examined by a doctor who administered a cortisone shot, Foxx was sent home. However, his sister Deidra Dixon became concerned and drove him to another hospital, where they discovered the cause: a brain hemorrhage that triggered a stroke.

On May 4, after having undergone surgery 20 days prior, Foxx woke up in a wheelchair and was unable to walk. He then relocated to Chicago for rehabilitation and therapy. “I want to express my gratitude for every prayer,” he said, “as I truly needed each and every one of them.

The reality television personality disclosed that she briefly stopped breathing during her run for a mile, an incident that occurred during the initial contest of the NBC show’s series.

She clarified on the show “Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser” that she couldn’t recall much. However, she did remember hearing a helicopter, feeling as though she was floating, her grandfather being present, then experiencing darkness, and subsequently seeing light. This made her believe that she had died on that day.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as: “I found myself teetering on the brink of a medical crisis. Unbeknownst to me, my condition was rhabdomyolysis – a stark warning sign from my body, indicating it was considering shutting down due to the strain.

Emilia Clarke filmed intense battle scenes for Game of Thrones, but in 2019, she penned an essay titled “A Battle for My Life” in The New Yorker.
While exercising at the gym, she experienced a severe headache that led her to the toilet where she became violently ill. The pain intensified and she realized her brain was injured.
She was rushed to the hospital for a scan which revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a dangerous type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. She had suffered an aneurysm, a rupture in an artery.
Emilia underwent immediate surgery to repair the aneurysm, describing the pain as unbearable. During her recovery, she experienced aphasia and was unable to make sense.
A week later, the aphasia subsided and she was discharged from the hospital after a month. Unfortunately, in 2013, a growth on her brain had doubled in size and required another surgery.
“When they woke me up,” she wrote, “I was screaming in pain. The second procedure failed, and the doctors informed me that my chances of survival were slim if I didn’t undergo another operation. This time, they would access my brain through my skull.”
Thankfully, Emilia is now fully recovered and is at 100% health.

2024 proved to be a challenging year for me, as I faced a severe stroke in January. Yet, my family rushed to my side in a heartbeat, demonstrating the strength of our bond. When I sent them the news and a picture, everyone came to my rescue without hesitation.

Unfortunately, due to other medical issues like Lupus, my stay at the hospital was extended beyond what I had anticipated. My kidneys were failing, and there was a lot going on simultaneously. But today, I can proudly say that I am on the mend. A few motor skills needed some work, but overall, I’m doing great. With the love and support of my family, I’ve been able to overcome this ordeal.

In her 20s, Shailene Woodley experienced numerous health issues. She faced challenges such as losing her hearing, struggling to walk without rest, and stomach problems with every meal. This period was marked by various doctors providing different diagnoses and treatments. To seek answers, she combined conventional medical advice with alternative healing methods due to her background in holistic medicine and herbalism.

This decade-long journey not only affected her physically but also mentally, leading to fears around food, body dysmorphia, confusion about identity, and feelings of insecurity. However, after addressing both her physical and mental health concerns, Shailene is now in a much healthier state and is happy to share that she is well.

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2025-09-04 19:18