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Picky Eating Quiz

Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Jeff Caba, DHSc, PA-C.

Last updated August 25, 2024

Quiz Overview

Picky eating can be a common concern, especially in children, but it can also affect adults. This quiz is designed to help you identify the potential reasons behind picky eating, providing insights into symptoms, possible diagnoses, and effective strategies to address the behavior. By answering a series of targeted questions, you can better understand the underlying causes of picky eating and determine if you need to consult a healthcare professional or implement at-home strategies.

Results Interpretation

Mild Picky Eating

  • Potential Causes: Food texture preferences, limited exposure to different foods, or a phase in normal development (common in young children).
  • Potential Assessments: Dietary history review, observation of eating habits, and possibly a nutritional assessment.
  • Potential Strategies: Gradual introduction of new foods, positive reinforcement, and creating a structured mealtime routine.

Moderate Picky Eating

  • Potential Causes: Sensory processing issues, food intolerances, or anxiety around eating.
  • Potential Assessments: Nutritional assessments, sensory evaluations, and sometimes psychological evaluation.
  • Potential Strategies: Working with a nutritionist or occupational therapist, implementing exposure therapy, and addressing any underlying anxieties or intolerances.

Severe Picky Eating

  • Potential Causes: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), gastrointestinal issues, or other medical conditions that affect appetite and food preferences.
  • Potential Assessments: Comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests, gastrointestinal studies, and psychological assessments.
  • Potential Strategies: Multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, including doctors, dietitians, and therapists to develop a tailored treatment plan. This might include medical treatment, nutritional therapy, and behavioral interventions.

FAQ: Picky Eating Quiz

  1. What are common causes of picky eating?
    Picky eating can be caused by a variety of factors, including sensory sensitivities, food intolerances, anxiety, or simply a lack of exposure to different foods. It’s also a normal phase in early childhood development.
  2. When should I see a doctor for picky eating?
    You should consider seeing a doctor if picky eating is causing significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or if it's affecting overall health and quality of life. Persistent or severe picky eating that doesn’t improve with typical strategies may also warrant professional evaluation.
  3. Can picky eating be a sign of a more serious condition?
    Yes, in some cases, picky eating can be associated with conditions such as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) or other underlying medical issues. It’s important to rule out these conditions if picky eating is severe or causing health concerns.
  4. How can I help someone with mild picky eating habits?
    For mild picky eating, you can try introducing new foods slowly, making mealtimes positive and stress-free, and offering a variety of foods without pressuring the person to eat. Consistency and patience are key.
  5. Are there lifestyle changes that can help prevent picky eating?
    Exposing children to a variety of foods from an early age, making mealtimes a routine, and setting a good example with your own eating habits can help prevent picky eating. Encouraging a relaxed and positive approach to trying new foods can also be beneficial.
  6. What should I expect during a medical evaluation for picky eating?
    During a medical evaluation, the healthcare provider will take a detailed dietary and medical history, observe eating behaviors, and may recommend nutritional assessments or other tests to understand the cause of picky eating. They will then suggest appropriate strategies or treatments based on the findings.

Legal and Medical Disclaimers

Buoy is not a substitute for and does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Buoy Services do not replace your relationship with any doctor or other qualified health care provider and may not be appropriate for all medical conditions or concerns. If you think you may be having amedical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.