Brief Description
The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is a revised tool designed to identify signs of addictive-like eating behavior in individuals based on the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). The YFAS 2.0 consists of 35 self-report items that assess eating behaviors and emotional responses associated with food consumption over the past 12 months using an eight point Likert scale. Items are scored to reflect the presence of symptoms related to food addiction, such as cravings, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and withdrawal. The scale provides both a symptom count (ranging from 0 to 11) and a dichotomous diagnosis (food addiction present or absent). The scale has been validated in diverse populations globally and is used in both clinical and research settings to understand the prevalence and characteristics of food addiction, which aids in the development of targeted interventions and treatments.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
35
Age Range for Administration
18+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
Instructions on the measure suggest yearly use, however, clinicians should use their best clinical judgment to determine a clinically appropriate cadence for their clientele. Tracking progress on a yearly basis may not be feasible for many practitioners, and more frequent administration may be beneficial.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
Scoring can be completed in two ways: scoring based on symptom count and dichotomous diagnosis.
Scoring for both options begins by obtaining the threshold (i.e., the minimum frequency selected to score 1 point; frequencies greater than the minimum also meet threshold and score 1 point), which is different for each question; Threshold Met = 1, Threshold NOT Met = 0.
Threshold | Item # |
Once a month | 9, 10, 19, 27, 33, 35 |
Two to three times a month | 8, 18, 20, 21, 34 |
Once a week | 3, 11, 13, 14, 22, 28, 29 |
Two to three times a week | 5, 12, 16, 17, 23, 24, 26, 30, 31, 32 |
Four to six times a week | 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 15 ,25 |
Next, sum the questions under each symptom criterion (i.e., subscales):
Substance taken in larger amount and for longer period than intended
Questions 1, 2, 3
Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit
Questions 4, 25, 31, 32
Much time/activity to obtain, use, recover
Questions 5, 6, 7
Social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced
Questions 8, 10, 18, 20
Use continues despite knowledge of adverse consequences
Questions 22, 23
Tolerance
Questions 24, 26
Withdrawal symptoms, substance taken to relieve withdrawal
Questions 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
Questions 9, 21, 35
Failure to fulfill major role obligations (work, school, home)
Questions 19, 27
Use in physically hazardous situations
Questions 28, 33, 34
Cravings or strong urges
Questions 29, 30
Use causes clinically significant impairment or distress
Questions 16, 17
If the score for the symptom criterion (i.e., subscale) is greater than or equal to 1, the criterion is considered met and scored as 1. If the score is 0, the symptom criterion (i.e., subscale) is scored as 0 and the symptom criterion is not considered met.
Symptom Count Score
To calculate the symptom count score, sum the scores for the first 11 symptom criterion (i.e., subscales; do not include Clinical Significance). The score will range from 0 to 11 symptoms.
Dichotomous Diagnosis Score
The following table is used to indicate the dichotomous diagnosis score:
Interpretation | Symptom Count Score |
No Food Addiction | 1 or fewer symptoms |
No Food Addiction | Does not meet clinical significance |
Mild Food Addiction | 2-3 symptoms & clinical significance |
Moderate Food Addiction | 4-5 symptoms & clinical significance |
Severe Food Addiction | 6 or more symptoms & clinical significance |
Blueprint Adjustments
Blueprint provides the symptom count score ranging from 0-11. Due to limitations of the platform (i.e., not being able to account for symptom count score plus clinical significance), Blueprint does NOT provide the dichotomous diagnosis score and interpretation related to food addiction; however, you can find this by examining the symptom count score provided and the clinical significance subscale score (i.e., presence or absence) and using the Dichotomous Diagnosis Score table above.
Clinical Considerations
Estimated time of completion: 8-10 minutes.
The original Yale Food Addiction Scale is also available on Blueprint.
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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