Are You at Risk for an Eating Disorder?

Check the statements that are true:

• Even though people tell me I'm thin, I feel fat.
• I get anxious if I can't exercise.
• I worry about what I eat.
• If I gain weight, I get anxious and depressed.
• I feel guilty when I eat.
• I would rather die than be fat.
• I would rather eat by myself than with family or friends.
• I don't talk about my fear of being fat -- no one understands.
• I have a secret stash of food.
• When I eat, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop.
• I lie about what I eat.
• I get anxious when people urge me to eat.
• Sometimes I think that my eating or exercising is not normal.

Number of "true" statements*

1-3: You have a mild preoccupation with weight and appearance. Re-evaluate. Don't lose control.
4-6: Reason for concern. Check with a health professional.
7+: You could be in danger. Get an evaluation with a health professional as soon as possible.
--Adapted from the Los Angeles Times

*No matter what your score, if any of the following are true, consult a health care professional as soon as possible:

• purging more than 3 times a day
• amenorrhea
• use of ipecac (induces vomiting) or abuse of laxatives
• loss of 15% of your weight

Use our self-assessment for a more extensive evaluation.