EAT-26
Eating Attitudes Test
Part A Instructions: Please select the response that best applies to you.
Part A: Attitudes
Scoring Key for Part A:
Always (3) | Usually (2) | Often (1) | Sometimes (0) | Rarely (0) | Never (0)
(Note: For Question 26 only, the scoring is reversed: Never=3, Rarely=2, Sometimes=1).
Am terrified about being overweight.
Avoid eating when I am hungry.
Find myself preoccupied with food.
Have gone on eating binges where I feel that I may not be able to stop.
Cut my food into small pieces.
Aware of the calorie content of foods that I eat.
Particularly avoid food with a high carbohydrate content.
Feel that others would prefer if I ate more.
Vomit after I have eaten.
Feel extremely guilty after eating.
Am preoccupied with a desire to be thinner.
Think about burning up calories when I exercise.
Other people think that I am too thin.
Am preoccupied with the thought of having fat on my body.
Take longer than others to eat my meals.
Avoid foods with sugar in them.
Eat diet foods.
Feel that food controls my life.
Display self-control around food.
Feel that others pressure me to eat.
Give too much time and thought to food.
Feel uncomfortable after eating sweets.
Engage in dieting behavior.
Like my stomach to be empty.
Have the impulse to vomit after meals.
Enjoy trying new rich foods.
Part B: Behaviors
Part B Instructions: When answering these questions, add 1 to your score if your answer is bolded.
In the past 6 months have you:
Gone on eating binges where you feel that you may not be able to stop?
Never | Once/month or less | 2-3 times/month | Once/week | 2-6 times/week | Once/day +
Ever made yourself sick (vomited) to control your weight or shape?
Never | Once/month or less | 2-3 times/month | Once/week | 2-6 times/week | Once/day +
Ever used laxatives, diet pills or diuretics (water pills) to control your weight or shape?
Never | Once/month or less | 2-3 times/month | Once/week | 2-6 times/week | Once/day +
Exercised more than 60 minutes a day to lose or to control your weight?
Never | Once/month or less | 2-3 times/month | Once/week | 2-6 times/week | Once/day +
Lost 20 pounds or more?
No | Yes
How to Calculate Your Final Score
To get your total score, add the points from Part A (the 26 questions) to the points from the Behavioral Section.
Part A Points: Total the points from the first section (0 to 3 points per question).
Behavioral Section Points: Add 1 point for every question where your answer was bolded.
What Your Score Means
Total Score of 20 or Higher: This indicates a significant risk for an eating disorder. It is highly recommended that you schedule a consultation with a mental health professional or a specialized physician to discuss these results.
Positive Behavioral "Hit": Even if your total score is below 20, if you answered Yes or anything other than Never to the behavioral questions (bingeing, purging, laxative use, or excessive exercise), this is considered a "positive" screen. We recommend a follow-up consultation to ensure you have the support you need.
A Note from Vibe: Screening tools like the EAT-26 are helpful for identifying patterns, but they don't capture the whole story. If your relationship with food feels like a "loose thread" that is unraveling your peace of mind, we are here to help you weave a healthier narrative.
Important: If you are in immediate distress or having thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.
Call or Text: Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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Credits & Citations
Source: Garner, D.M., Olmsted, M.P., Bohr, Y., and Garfinkel, P.E. (1982). The Eating Attitudes Test: Psychometric features and clinical correlates. Psychological Medicine. Available for free clinical and non-profit use.
