Have you noticed your loved one behaving differently around food? Perhaps they’ve been eating less than usual or finding excuses to skip meals. Maybe you’ve noticed that they never eat their favorite foods anymore, or they have become fearful of gaining weight. You want to help, but you feel worried and confused. To understand what they’re struggling with and how you can support them, a helpful first step can be having them take a nutrition behavior screening.
What is a nutrition behavior screening?
A nutrition behavior screening is a tool that assesses symptoms and concerns common to eating disorders. The EAT-26 Eating Attitudes Test is the most widely used assessment tool. The EAT-26 consists of 26 questions regarding thoughts and behaviors around food, dieting, and body image. Screening tools, like the EAT-26, are invaluable to healthcare providers when determining the severity of symptoms and appropriate treatment.
Who can take a nutrition behavior screening?
Anyone can be screened for an eating disorder. The EAT-26 is intended for use in adolescents and adults.
Who can administer an assessment?
Nutrition behavior screenings are often used in clinical settings by dietitians, doctors, nurses, and therapists. However, tools like the EAT-26 may also be used in school or sports settings by nurses, counselors, or coaches to identify at-risk students.
Can you take a screening at home?
Yes. You can complete a nutrition behavior screening in the comfort of your home. However, it is important to review your results with an eating disorder specialist to decide next steps.
You can complete the EAT-26 Eating Attitudes Test at home before contacting our office for a consult with one of our specialized eating disorder registered dietitians.
Kristin Jenkins is a dietitian nutritionist based in Maryland. She has been involved in the field of eating disorders and disordered eating for over 6 years and brings both personal and professional experience to her work serving clients who struggle with their relationship with food and their bodies.
