How to Calculate Eating Disorder Examination Score

What is Eating Disorder Examination Score?

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Score Calculator computes subscale and global scores from 28 self-report items measuring eating disorder psychopathology over the past 28 days across restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern.

Formula

GS

Global Score (mean (0-6)) — Average of all four subscale means; overall eating disorder severity

RS

Restraint Subscale (mean (0-6)) — Mean of 5 items assessing dietary restraint and food rules

SC

Shape Concern (mean (0-6)) — Mean of 8 items assessing preoccupation with body shape

WC

Weight Concern (mean (0-6)) — Mean of 5 items assessing preoccupation with body weight

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1Complete 28 items rated 0-6 based on the past 28 days
2. 2Items are grouped into 4 subscales: Restraint (5 items), Eating Concern (5 items), Shape Concern (8 items), Weight Concern (5 items)
3. 3Calculate the mean for each subscale
4. 4Global score is the average of the 4 subscale means; higher scores indicate greater pathology

Worked Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✕Including behavioral frequency items (binge episodes, purging) in subscale calculations — these are counted separately as frequencies, not means
• ✕Comparing scores to clinical norms instead of community norms, leading to under-identification in community settings
• ✕Ignoring that the Shape Concern subscale is the strongest predictor of eating disorder diagnosis among all subscales

Frequently Asked Questions