Some adults are such picky eaters that they develop some symptoms of eating disorders, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Duke University and University of Pittsburgh are setting up a website to both study and help picky eaters.

Picky eaters often limit themselves to a few foods, which in turn can affect their social and professional lives. Having such limitations is one of the criteria for diagnosing eating disorders. Picky eaters often do not get proper nutrition because they do not eat a variety of foods.

Picky eaters are not necessarily overly thin or obsessed with counting calories, fat grams or carbohydrates, which is often a symptom of anorexia. However, some limit themselves to a certain texture of food; for example, they consume only creamy or crunchy foods. Some limit themselves to just one taste, such as salty or sweet. Many picky eaters claim that they get nauseous when they try a new food.

Some therapists believe that picky eaters may be suffering from a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
 

Labels: nutrition, symptoms, diet

Posted By: Jane St. Clair