Factoranalytic Structure of a Short Version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-13) and Prevalences of Disordered Eating in a Representative German Sample

Early detection of disordered eating behavior is a first hint to prevent clinically relevant eating disorders. Screening instruments are aimed at detecting disordered eating behavior at an early stage, to identify risk groups and as necessary initiate treatment. The EAT-13 is an economic screening instrument (13 items), that allows identification of risk groups in big unselected samples with help of determination of sum score. Factorial validity of the EAT-13 and the suitability for different ages were determined in a representative sample of the German population (N = 2 508). Furthermore prevalence of disordered eating behavior was assessed in the sample. Results show that the EAT-13 is a reliable and economic screening instrument that is eligible to select risk groups. An inspection of criterion validity shall be conducted in further studies.