What does the SCOFF Questionnaire help assess?

The SCOFF Questionnaire is specifically designed to help identify the presence of eating disorders. It consists of five straightforward questions that focus on behaviors and feelings related to eating and body image. The acronym SCOFF stands for Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, and Food, each of which prompts the respondent to reflect on aspects that are commonly associated with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

By using this tool, practitioners can quickly screen individuals to determine if further evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed. Its purpose is not to assess general dietary habits, motivation levels, or physical activity frequency, but rather to pinpoint disordered eating patterns that could have severe health implications. This targeted screening makes it a valuable tool in the context of nutrition coaching and healthcare settings.