Self Test For Eating Disorders

The purpose of this test is NOT to decide for you that you have an eating disorder, but to ask you some questions to help you decide if you would like to speak to a professional about your thoughts and actions surrounding food. The questions presented involve behaviors and feelings that are common in someone suffering with an eating disorder. This test is to be used as an inquiry aid for individuals who are struggling with eating, food-related habits and other behaviors which may lead them to be concerned for their health.

Do you skip meals on a regular basis?
Do you binge and then self-induce vomiting?
Do you feel out of control when you eat?
Do you feel powerful and in control when you are able to abstain from eating?
Do you binge on food when you are experiencing negative feelings? (ie. anger, sadness, etc.)
Do you feel that you do not deserve to eat?
Do you know the calorie content in the foods that you eat?
Do you believe you are fat, even though people tell you otherwise?
Do you feel that you have to be perfect in everything that you do?
Do you use laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics as a method of weight control?
Do you exercise to burn calories, rather than to stay fit?
Are you secretive about your eating habits?
Are you secretive about your exercise?
Do you feel anger towards anyone that questions your eating habits?
Do you scrutinize yourself in the mirror or avoid looking in the mirror entirely?
Do you hear negative messages in your head (ie. saying you’re fat, ugly, worthless, etc.)
Do you workout in spite of illness or injury?
Do you avoid social events because there will be food present and/or because you are worried about your physical appearance?
Do you think about food constantly?
Has your diet become increasingly restrictive?
Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
Do you give up social activities or work obligations because of a compulsive need to maintain your workout and/or diet schedule?
Do you become extremely anxious in the case of missed workouts?
Do you believe that life will be perfect and you will be happy if you lose weight?
Do you have an intense fear of gaining weight?
Do you feel ashamed of your eating behaviors?
Do you feel that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough?
Do you think that you may have an eating disorder?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it could be a sign that you do should seek a professional evaluation. If you are unsure, you should talk to someone just in case. Remember, eating disorders can develop gradually and it is better to quash any negative food-related behavior as soon as possible. You may want to consider seeing a therapist or talking with someone at an eating disorders clinic about this matter.

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Updated by Tabitha Farrar and Dr. Lauren Muhlheim – 2014
Written by Colleen Thompson and Michelle Comeau – 1997