On her personal TikTok page, AEW wrestler Julia Hart posted a video revealing that she had been diagnosed with ARFID back in November 2025, and that she has been going to therapy to understand her triggers and how the disorder has affected her mentally.
According to the National Eating Disorder Association, ARFID stands for “Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder”. Those with ARFID are known to limit the quality and quantity of the food they eat, much like other eating disorders. However, unlike other eating disorders, selective eating from ARFID is not caused by distress over one’s own body image. It is caused by a lack of interest in eating, a problem with the food’s taste, texture, or smell, and/or a fear of choking or vomiting from the food.
In her video, Julia mentions how a lot of people talk about eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, and there is less discussion around ARFID. Her concern is well-placed.
There is limited research on ARFID, and it is difficult to even get diagnosed with it because it shares symptoms with other, more pervasive, eating disorders as well as autism. Not only that, but society is quick to wave off the sensory aversion and lack of appetite as someone just being a “picky eater”. The lack of knowledge about ARFID, and the societal instinct to dismiss problems they haven’t personally experienced, has created a space of confusion and shame for those with ARFID.
When people believe you’re choosing to suffer, it’s more difficult to receive help. However, there is always hope. Julia ends her video wondering if anyone else is going through ARFID and wants to talk about it, creating a safe space for those with the disorder. We here at DSR applaud Julia Hart for her bravery, and we wish her and others with ARFID a healthy, strong recovery.
And if you believe you may be suffering from ARFID or any other kind of eating disorder, consider talking to a mental health professional or a primary healthcare professional. You can also visit the National Eating Disorders Association website for more information on eating disorders. You can also call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Hotline at 1-866-662-1235.
Jhuvin P is a new writer for CBC/DSR. He has previous experience as a ghostwriter, has published several short stories, and is perpetually working on a novel. In addition to writing, he is also a comedian based out of Colorado Springs. He posts clips of his stand-up along with his other goofy antics on TikTok and Instagram.