Yale Food Addiction Scale mYFAS 2.0

An adapted scientific questionnaire developed at Yale University to assess symptoms of addictive eating behavior toward highly palatable, ultra-processed foods.

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Calculation

The assessment is completely free and requires no registration or email. Your answers are confidential and processed locally on your device.
Question 1 of 130 / 13 (0%)

I ate much more of certain foods than I originally intended to eat.

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How it is calculated

13 items based on 11 DSM-5 substance use disorder diagnostic criteria applied to food, plus 2 items evaluating clinically significant distress and functional impairment.

Formula

A food addiction diagnosis requires the presence of clinical distress/impairment (items 12 or 13) plus at least 2 symptoms. 2–3: mild; 4–5: moderate; ≥ 6: severe food addiction.

Limits of the method

The concept of 'food addiction' remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate. The scale screens for compulsive, addictive-like eating behaviors toward hyperpalatable foods (sugar, fat, salt).

Sources of the method

This calculation is for reference only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medication or have any doubts, discuss the result with a physician or a qualified nutrition professional.

How to Take the mYFAS 2.0 Questionnaire

1

Identify your trigger foods

Think about specific foods with which you frequently lose control (such as sweets, salty snacks, fast food, or baked goods).

2

Answer all 13 questions

Select 'Yes' if you have regularly experienced the behavior or feeling over the past 12 months.

3

Review your symptom criteria and diagnosis

See your total count of met DSM-5 symptom criteria and whether clinical impairment is present.

Example mYFAS Results

None1 symptom

Normal Hedonic Eating

Enjoyment of tasty foods without loss of control, compulsive urges, or clinical distress.

Food addiction criteria are not met.
Moderate4 symptoms

Moderate Food Addiction

Persistent difficulty controlling portions, eating despite knowledge of adverse consequences, and marked distress.

Dietary stabilization and behavioral support are recommended.
Severe7 symptoms

Severe Food Addiction

Repeated failed quit attempts, tolerance, withdrawal-like irritability, and substantial impairment across work and social life.

Consultation with a clinical psychologist or addiction psychotherapist is strongly advised.

Tolerance and Withdrawal When Eliminating Ultra-Processed Foods

Abrupt reduction of hyperpalatable foods can trigger temporary irritability, headaches, intense cravings, and dysphoria lasting 3–7 days while dopamine pathways recalibrate.

Food Environment Architecture vs. Willpower

Relying purely on willpower against engineered hyperpalatable foods rarely succeeds because human neurobiology is primed to seek energy density. Restructuring home and work food environments is far more reliable.

mYFAS 2.0 Food Addiction Severity Classification

Diagnostic CategorySymptom CountClinical Distress / Impairment
No Food Addiction0 – 1 symptomsNot required
Mild Food Addiction2 – 3 symptomsMust be present
Moderate Food Addiction4 – 5 symptomsMust be present
Severe Food Addiction6 or more symptomsMust be present

Classification based on Schulte & Gearhardt (2017) mYFAS 2.0 criteria.

Frequently asked questions

Is food addiction an officially recognized medical diagnosis?

In current editions of ICD-11 and DSM-5, food addiction is not yet categorized as a distinct mental disorder; however, the mYFAS 2.0 is the premier validated research instrument for evaluating compulsive eating of hyperpalatable foods.

Which foods are most likely to trigger addictive-like eating?

Ultra-processed foods combining high amounts of refined carbohydrates, fats, and salt (chocolate, pizza, chips, french fries, pastries, and sugar-sweetened beverages).

What should I do if my score indicates food addiction?

Evidence-based strategies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), restructuring your food environment (removing trigger foods from immediate access), and transitioning toward whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Why is it so challenging to stop eating sweets and snacks?

Refined sugars and fats induce rapid dopamine spikes. Chronic overconsumption can downregulate striatal dopamine D2 receptors, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same reward sensation.

How long does it take to complete the mYFAS questionnaire?

With only 13 questions, the screening takes approximately 2 minutes to complete.

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What next

Formula breakdowns, biomarker reference ranges and nutrition articles with cited sources are in the NutriFit knowledge base.

Go to the knowledge base