Screening Form
Use the structured questions below. The page calculates a 5-point core score, shows follow-up urgency, and keeps the result above this form after submission.
Example Data Table
| Example | 3-Month Weight Loss | Core Yes Answers | Core Score | Urgency Flags | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | 1.5 kg | 1 | 1 / 5 | 0 | Borderline concern. Review symptoms and monitor closely. |
| Example B | 7.2 kg | 3 | 3 / 5 | 0 | Positive screen. Formal eating-disorder assessment is recommended. |
| Example C | 5.0 kg | 2 | 2 / 5 | 2 | Positive screen with urgent medical review recommended. |
Formula Used
1) Weight-loss conversion: if the entered unit is pounds, the tool converts it with kg = lb × 0.45359237.
2) Core score: the tool sums five yes/no items tied to vomiting after fullness, loss of eating control, major recent weight loss, distorted fatness beliefs, and daily domination by food or weight thoughts.
3) Weight-loss trigger: the third core item becomes positive when recent loss is at least 6.35 kg, which equals about 14 lb in 3 months.
4) Screen threshold: a total core score of 2 or more is treated as a positive screen that needs fuller professional assessment.
5) BMI: when height and weight are entered, BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². BMI is shown only as context and does not determine the screen result.
6) Urgency flags: fainting, chest symptoms, blood in vomit, dehydration, or self-harm thoughts do not change the core score. They instead raise the urgency message.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the assessment date and any identifying details you want recorded.
- Fill in current height and weight if available. These fields support BMI context only.
- Complete the five core screening items. For recent weight loss, enter the amount lost within the last 3 months.
- Add supportive behavior markers such as binge episodes, secret eating, compensatory exercise, or laxative use.
- Mark urgent warning signs carefully. These fields help separate routine follow-up from same-day review or crisis support.
- Click Screen Now. The result appears above the form and directly below the header.
- Use the CSV button for spreadsheet records or the PDF button for a printable summary.
- Treat the output as a conversation starter, not a diagnosis. Positive results should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.
FAQs
1) Does this tool diagnose an eating disorder?
No. It is a screening and triage tool. It helps organize warning signs and urgency, but diagnosis requires clinical assessment, history, and sometimes medical testing.
2) What does a score of 2 or more mean?
It means the core screen is positive. That level suggests a fuller professional evaluation is appropriate, especially if symptoms, secrecy, purging, or rapid weight change are present.
3) Why are urgent flags shown separately?
A person can have dangerous medical or mental health symptoms even if the core score is lower. Separate urgent flags help prioritize same-day care or crisis support.
4) Can someone be seriously unwell at a normal weight?
Yes. Rapid weight loss, purging, fainting, dehydration, or suicidal thoughts can still be serious. This is why the tool does not rely on BMI alone.
5) What if weight-loss data is unknown?
Enter the best recent estimate or use 0 if no loss is known. If uncertainty is high, interpret the score cautiously and rely more on clinical follow-up.
6) Why does the tool calculate BMI?
BMI gives extra context for the record, but it is not the main screening method here. Symptoms, behaviors, urgency, and recent change often matter more.
7) Who can use this page?
It can support self-checks, family review, school health discussions, or clinic intake. Results should still be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional whenever concern exists.
8) When should someone seek immediate help?
Seek immediate help for self-harm or suicide thoughts, fainting, chest pain, blood in vomit, severe dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down.