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.
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.
Related tests
- 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?
Can I take SCOFF for someone else?
Is SCOFF appropriate for children or teenagers?
How is SCOFF different from EAT-26?
Does my data leave the device?
Sources
- The SCOFF questionnaire: assessment of a new screening tool for eating disorders — BMJ (Morgan, Reid, Lacey, 1999) (peer reviewed, retrieved 2026-05-02)
- SCOFF, the development of an eating disorder screening questionnaire — International Journal of Eating Disorders (Hill et al., 2010) (peer reviewed, retrieved 2026-05-02)