Eating Disorder Test – Check Your Relationship with Food

Are you concerned about your eating habits or how you feel about your body? This quick screening tool can help you assess your relationship with food, including risks for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Designed for anyone worried about eating behaviours or body image, it only takes 5–10 minutes to complete. The test is based on validated screening methods, including the SCOFF questionnaire, and is entirely anonymous and confidential.

What are eating disorders? Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving unhealthy relationships with food, eating, body weight, and body image. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Disclaimer:

• This is not a diagnosis screening tool only.
• Eating disorders are treatable with proper support.
• Discuss results with your GP or an eating disorder specialist.
• If in medical emergency, seek help immediately.
• Completely anonymous and confidential.

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Understanding Eating Disorders

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa:

• Restricting food intake and extreme weight loss
  
• Intense fear of gaining weight
  
• Distorted body image
  
• Viewing self as overweight despite being underweight

Bulimia Nervosa:

• Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
  
• Purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise
  
• Feeling out of control during binges
  
• Self-worth heavily influenced by body shape and weight

Binge Eating Disorder:

• Regular episodes of eating large amounts of food
  
• Feeling out of control while eating
  
• Eating when not hungry or until uncomfortably full
  
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, or distressed afterwards

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED):

• Eating disorder symptoms that don’t fit other categories
  
• Can be just as serious and require treatment

Warning Signs

• Preoccupation with weight, food, or body shape
  
• Strict dieting or food rituals
  
• Avoiding eating with others
  
• Excessive exercise
  
• Frequent trips to bathroom after eating
  
• Using diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics

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The Screening Test

Instructions

• Answer honestly about your experiences and behaviours
  
• Think about the past few months
  
• Choose the answer that best describes you
  
• There are no right or wrong answers
  
• Answer all questions for accurate results

Note: This screening includes questions about eating behaviours, body image, and control over eating. If any questions feel difficult, take your time or pause and return later. Completing the test thoughtfully will help provide a clearer understanding of your relationship with food.

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Part 1: SCOFF Questions (5 Core Questions)

These five questions help screen for key features of eating disorders. Answer each question honestly based on your recent experiences.

Part 2: Extended Assessment Questions

These questions explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to food, body image, and control. Please answer each one as honestly as possible to get a more accurate understanding of your relationship with eating.

Body Image and Weight Concerns

Eating Behaviors

Compensatory Behaviors

Binge Eating

Results & Interpretation 

How Scoring Works

SCOFF Questions (Questions 1–5):
Answering “Yes” to two or more questions suggests a possible eating disorder. The SCOFF questionnaire is highly sensitive for detecting anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and serves as an initial screening tool.

Extended Assessment (Questions 6–18):
These questions provide more detail about:

• Severity of concerns – How strongly eating behaviours or body image affect daily life
• Specific eating disorder symptoms – Bingeing, purging, dieting, or compensatory behaviours
• Impact on daily life – Avoiding social situations or emotional distress related to eating
• Need for professional evaluation – Highlighting areas where support may be beneficial
  

If You Scored High Risk (2+ on SCOFF or Many Concerning Answers)

What this means: Your responses suggest symptoms consistent with an eating disorder. This is a serious but treatable mental health condition that requires professional support.

Next steps:

• Book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible
• Be honest about your eating behaviours and concerns
• Request referral to eating disorder services
• Consider contacting Beat (UK eating disorder charity) for support and advice

Important to know:

• Eating disorders are mental health conditions, not choices
• Early intervention significantly improves outcomes
• Treatment works – full recovery is possible
• You deserve support and don’t have to struggle alone

Medical concerns to watch for: Seek urgent attention if experiencing rapid weight loss, fainting or dizziness, irregular heartbeat, extreme weakness, or severe dehydration.

If You Scored Moderate Concern

What this means: Some warning signs or unhealthy patterns are present, though they may not meet criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder.

Next steps:

• Speak to your GP about your concerns
• Consider counselling for body image or eating issues
• Monitor symptoms for changes
• Learn healthy coping strategies
• Contact Beat for information and support

Prevention matters: Addressing concerns early can prevent progression to a full eating disorder.

If You Scored Lower Risk

What this means: Your responses do not suggest an eating disorder at this time. However, it’s still worth seeking advice if you have concerns about food or body image.

Remember:

• Occasional negative body thoughts are normal
• Diet culture affects most people
• Trust your instincts and seek support if worried
• Early support helps maintain a healthy relationship with food

Getting Help & Treatment 

Treatment Options

Eating disorders are treatable, and effective care usually combines therapy, medical support, and nutritional guidance.

Therapy:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-ED): Addresses thoughts and behaviours around eating
• Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Especially effective for young people
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Supports emotional regulation
• Interpersonal Therapy: Focuses on relationship patterns and social support
  

Medical Care:

• Monitoring physical health and vital signs
• Nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration if needed
• Treating any medical complications
  

Nutritional Support:

• Dietitian specialising in eating disorders
• Meal planning and nutrition education
• Learning to eat normally again
  

Medication:

• Antidepressants may support therapy
• Treating co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression
  

Support Levels:

• Outpatient therapy (most common)
• Intensive outpatient or day programmes
• Inpatient treatment for severe cases
• Residential treatment programmes

Finding Help in the UK

Your GP: First step for assessment and referral to specialist services
NHS Eating Disorder Services: Free specialist treatment, including community services and CAMHS teams for under 18s
Beat – Eating Disorder Charity:

• Helpline: 0808 801 0677
• Youth line (under 18): 0808 801 0711
• Online support groups, resources, and help finding treatment

Private Treatment (if available and affordable):

• Private therapists specialising in eating disorders
• Private clinics and treatment centres

Getting professional support early improves recovery outcomes. You do not have to face an eating disorder alone, and help is available for all ages and circumstances.

For Family & Friends

Supporting Someone with an Eating Disorder

How to help:

• Express concern without judgement
• Avoid commenting on appearance or weight
• Don’t police their eating
• Encourage professional help
• Be patient – recovery takes time
• Learn about eating disorders
• Look after your own wellbeing

What to avoid saying:

• “Just eat” or “Why don’t you just stop?”
• “You look healthy/fine” (they may interpret this as “fat”)
• “At least you don’t have [another type of eating disorder]”
• Making comments about anyone’s body or food choices
• Complimenting weight loss

Getting support for yourself:

• Beat carers’ helpline
• Support groups for families
• Therapy for yourself
• Information and education about eating disorders

Urgent concerns: If the person’s health deteriorates rapidly, they refuse all help, or there is immediate medical danger, contact their GP urgently or call 999.

Medical Complications 

Physical Effects of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can lead to serious medical complications:

Anorexia: Bone loss (osteoporosis), heart problems, low blood pressure, kidney issues, anaemia, loss of menstrual periods
Bulimia: Tooth decay from stomach acid, electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, digestive issues, swollen salivary glands
Binge Eating Disorder: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint problems, sleep apnoea

All types can cause: Fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, and social isolation

Early treatment can prevent many complications, and most physical effects can improve or reverse with recovery. Seeking professional help promptly is essential for both physical and mental health.

Scientific Source & Disclaimer 

This screening is based on:

• SCOFF Questionnaire (Morgan et al., 1999) – a validated screening tool for eating disorders
• Additional questions based on eating disorder diagnostic criteria

Reference:
Morgan, J.F., Reid, F., & Lacey, J.H. (1999). The SCOFF questionnaire: Assessment of a new screening tool for eating disorders. BMJ, 319(7223), 1467–1468.Important Disclaimer:
This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace professional evaluation by an eating disorder specialist. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions requiring expert treatment. If you are experiencing medical complications or crisis, seek immediate help from your GP or A&E. Recovery is possible with proper treatment. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not store personal health information (GDPR compliant).