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Eating Disorder Tests and Screening Tools

Eating-related screening tools can highlight patterns around binge eating, restrictive eating, compensatory behaviors, and distress about body shape or weight. Results should be interpreted carefully and discussed with a qualified professional when concerns are significant.

Choosing a tool

EAT-26 and the Binge Eating Scale approach eating from different angles. EAT-26 asks about attitudes, weight concerns and behaviours. BES concentrates on experiences around binge eating, including loss of control and associated feelings.

The EAT-26 page includes 26 attitude items and six additional questions. BES presents 16 groups of descriptions. The formats and scoring differ, so the totals should not be treated as points on a common scale.

Useful context includes changes in eating routines, distress, social situations around food and effects on daily life. Body size or a single meal cannot explain these patterns. Choose by the experience you want to describe rather than using a score as a goal for dieting.

Compare tools in this category

Use administration method, audience, and purpose to choose an appropriate educational or screening resource.

Binge Eating Scale (BES)

Administration
Self-report
Items
16
Intended audience
Adults and older adolescents reviewing binge-eating behavior, loss of control, thoughts, and emotional consequences
Primary purpose
The Binge Eating Scale explores eating behaviour together with thoughts and feelings around eating.

Eating Attitudes Test - 26 Item (EAT-26)

Administration
Self-report
Items
32
Intended audience
Adolescents and adults aged 16 or above reviewing eating attitudes, dieting concerns, and related behaviors
Primary purpose
EAT-26 explores eating attitudes, concerns about weight and patterns around food.

Available eating disorder screening tools