SCOFF eating disorder test — 5-question screen for adults

SCOFF eating disorder screening test

Free SCOFF questionnaire online. 5 yes/no questions, 1 minute. Validated 1999 screen for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating. Instant interpretation.

Last updated: 5/2/2026 Sources verified: 5/2/2026

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What SCOFF measures

SCOFF is a 5-item screen for eating disorders in adults. It captures five core experiences that often appear together when food becomes a problem: self-induced sickness, loss of control, rapid weight loss, body-image distress, and food taking over daily life.

Each item scores 0 (no) or 1 (yes). Total range: 0–5.

How the score is calculated

Yes count	Band
0–1	Unlikely eating disorder
2+	Positive screen — possible eating disorder
3+	Strongly suggests an eating disorder

The 2-point cut-off was chosen by Morgan, Reid and Lacey in 1999 because above this point most people benefit from a fuller assessment.

What your score means

A score of 0–1 does not mean nothing is wrong if you feel something is wrong. The test is short and broad. Trust your gut.

A score of 2 or more means the SCOFF flagged a pattern. This is a screen, not a diagnosis. The next step is a kind, short talk with a doctor — not a label.

A score of 3 or more means several core eating-disorder signs are present together. This deserves a specialist appointment soon, not next month. Earlier care = better outcomes.

When SCOFF is most useful

SCOFF works for adults. It does not work as well for children or younger teenagers — they have their own validated screens used in paediatric care.

Eating disorders happen at every weight. You don’t need to look unwell to deserve help. SCOFF can flag a problem long before any visible sign.

SCOFF vs EAT-26

EAT-26 is a longer, 26-item questionnaire. It gives a richer picture and is often used in clinics for tracking progress. SCOFF is shorter and was built for the first 60 seconds of a conversation. A positive SCOFF often leads to an EAT-26 or a clinical interview.

What treatment actually looks like

Treatment doesn’t mean force-feeding. Modern eating-disorder care is gentle, talk-based, and respects your pace.

A family doctor screens, listens, and refers.
A clinical dietitian rebuilds a calm relationship with food without shame.
A mental-health clinician (psychologist, psychiatrist) helps unpick the thoughts that keep the disorder going.

Most eating disorders are very treatable. Recovery rates reach 60–80% within 5 years with appropriate care. Earlier diagnosis gives better odds.

PHQ-9 depression screen — eating disorders and depression often co-exist.
GAD-7 anxiety screen — many people use food to manage anxiety.
AUDIT-C alcohol screen — alcohol misuse co-occurs with bulimia in particular.

Limitations

Self-report under-counts. Eating disorders push toward secrecy. Honest answers are the most valuable answers.
Adolescents. SCOFF was validated in adults. For under-18s, a paediatrician picks the right tool.
Pregnancy. Eating-disorder symptoms during pregnancy carry serious risk for both parent and baby. Talk to your midwife or doctor.
Comorbidity. A high score may also reflect anxiety, depression, or trauma rather than a primary eating disorder. A clinician sorts this out.

Privacy

All calculations run in your browser. We never see, log, or store your individual answers. Only an anonymous event (locale, severity band) is sent to a privacy-respecting analytics service.

Frequently asked questions

What does my SCOFF score mean?

Each yes answer is 1 point, total 0–5. A score of 0–1 is unlikely to indicate an eating disorder. A score of 2 or more is a positive screen — a kind, short conversation with a doctor is the next step. A score of 3 or more strongly suggests an eating disorder and deserves a specialist appointment soon.

Can I take SCOFF for someone else?

SCOFF was designed for self-administration by adults. Filling it in for someone else gives unreliable results — eating-disorder thoughts and behaviours are inner experiences. If you are worried about a loved one, the better path is to speak gently with them, share your concern, and offer to come to their first appointment.

Is SCOFF appropriate for children or teenagers?

SCOFF was validated in adults. Below age 18, dedicated youth tools (such as eating-disorder screens used in adolescent medicine) perform better. If you worry about a younger person, talk to a paediatrician, school nurse, or family doctor — they can choose the right tool.

How is SCOFF different from EAT-26?

EAT-26 is longer (26 items) and gives a richer picture but takes more time. SCOFF is much shorter (5 yes/no items) and was designed for first-line screening. A positive SCOFF often leads to EAT-26 or a clinical interview as the next step.

Does my data leave the device?

No. All calculations run in your browser. Only an anonymous event (locale, severity band) is sent to a privacy-respecting analytics service. Your individual answers never leave your device.