An Examination Of Drunkorexia: Calorie Regulation Prior To Alcohol Consumption Among College Students

Due to the rise of underage drinking and disordered eating on college campuses, researchers have labeled the combination of these behaviors as "drunkorexia." It describes excessive weight control methods prior to alcohol consumption. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a potential relationship exists between Greek affiliation, sex, class rank, alcohol consumption, eating patterns, and drunkorexia behaviors. This study also explored athletic affiliation and drunkorexia. All participants (n= 224) completed an online survey that included demographic questions and questions from the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), College Life Alcohol Salience Scale (CLASS), and Drunkorexia Motives and Behaviors Scale (DMBS). Results indicated that higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with Greek affiliation and higher levels of drunkorexia were associated with both Greek affiliation and athletic participation. Overall, there were weak gender and class differences for drunkorexia behaviors. The findings suggest that individuals who engage with the Greek or collegiate athletic community are more likely to consume excessive amounts of alcohol and exhibit drunkorexia behaviors. Noted are the implications for this study to tailor educational and intervention programs on eating and drinking behaviors for at-risk groups to reduce the prevalence of this harmful pattern on college campuses.