Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) — Nutrition & Diet Food Addiction Assessment
Likert options assessing addictive-like eating symptoms aligned with DSM criteria.
The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is a validated screening tool used in the Nutrition and Diet field to identify addictive-like eating symptoms aligned with DSM criteria. This short, evidence-informed questionnaire uses Likert-style response options to assess behavior patterns such as loss of control over eating, cravings, continued use despite negative consequences, and other hallmark features of food addiction. Completing this YFAS 2.0 style assessment can help you better understand your relationship with food and identify potential areas for intervention.
This online assessment follows the core structure of the YFAS 2.0 and is optimized for nutrition professionals, clinicians, and individuals seeking insight into compulsive eating patterns. By examining symptom frequency and the presence of related distress or impairment, the quiz provides an actionable score that indicates the likelihood of addictive-like eating behavior. Use the results to inform discussions with a dietitian, therapist, or primary care provider about next steps for treatment, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based strategies like mindful eating and structured nutritional plans.
1. Do you find yourself eating more than intended (e.g., larger amounts or for longer than planned)?
Assess frequency of loss of control over the amount eaten.
2. Do you experience persistent cravings or a strong desire to eat certain foods?
Cravings and intense desire are core features of addictive-like eating.
3. Do you find it difficult to cut down or stop eating certain foods even when you try?
Attempts and inability to reduce intake indicate control problems.
4. Do you continue to eat foods even though you know they cause physical or psychological problems?
Eating despite adverse consequences aligns with addictive behaviors.
5. Do you spend a lot of time obtaining, using, recovering from, or thinking about certain foods?
Time invested around food can indicate problematic behavior.
6. Does your eating of certain foods interfere with your ability to fulfill major role obligations (work, school, family)?
Interference with roles signals significant impairment.
7. Do you reduce or give up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of eating behaviors?
Withdrawal from activities due to eating indicates impact on quality of life.
8. Do you continue to eat certain foods despite emotional, physical, or medical problems they may cause?
Persistence despite harm is a diagnostic consideration in addictive-like eating.
9. Do you experience withdrawal-like symptoms (e.g., irritability, agitation, physical discomfort) when you stop or cut down on certain foods?
Withdrawal-like responses are a possible sign of dependence.
10. Do you need to eat increasingly larger amounts of certain foods to get the same satisfaction (tolerance)?
Tolerance reflects reduced response and escalating intake patterns.
11. Do you feel shame, guilt, or significant distress related to your eating behaviors?
Emotional consequences help evaluate clinical significance.
12. Do these eating behaviors cause significant impairment or distress in your daily life (work, relationships, health)?
Clinical significance is required to consider a formal diagnosis under DSM-style criteria.
Frequently asked questions
The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is a validated questionnaire developed to identify addictive-like eating behaviors using criteria adapted from the DSM for substance-related and addictive disorders. It measures symptom frequency (using Likert response options), craving, loss of control, and clinical significance such as distress or impairment.
No — this quiz is a screening tool modeled on YFAS 2.0 and provides an evidence-informed score indicating the likelihood of addictive-like eating symptoms. A formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified professional (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, or specialized clinician).
The quiz sums numeric values from each Likert item to produce a total score. Higher totals indicate more frequent or severe addictive-like eating symptoms. The results section explains score ranges (Low, Moderate, High, Very High) and offers recommendations tied to each range.
Anyone concerned about compulsive or addictive-like eating patterns, health professionals screening clients/patients in Nutrition and Diet, and individuals exploring whether their eating behaviors may benefit from further evaluation. If you are in crisis or experiencing severe medical issues, seek immediate professional care.
If your score falls in the High or Very High range, consider scheduling an appointment with a registered dietitian and a mental health professional experienced in eating behaviors or addiction. Evidence-based interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy, structured nutrition plans, mindful eating, and, when appropriate, multidisciplinary care.
Retake the quiz after implementing changes or beginning treatment to track progress—typically after 6–12 weeks—or sooner if your symptoms change materially. Regular re-assessment can help measure response to treatment and guide next steps.
This version of the quiz is intended for informational use and may vary by platform. Check the specific website or service privacy policy to understand data handling, storage, and confidentiality practices. For clinical assessments, use secure, HIPAA-compliant systems when required.
The YFAS 2.0 has been psychometrically evaluated in multiple studies and shows acceptable reliability and validity for identifying addictive-like eating behaviors. However, no screening tool is perfect; results should be interpreted in the context of a full clinical interview and additional assessments when necessary.
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