College campuses have long been known as environments where unhealthy drinking behaviors can flourish. The culture of binge drinking, parties, and the pressure to fit in can sometimes lead students—particularly women—down a dangerous path. One alarming trend that has been on the rise in recent years is drunkorexia. Although the term may sound new, its impact on health can be just as harmful, if not more so, than traditional binge drinking.
Drunkorexia is a dangerous behavior where individuals swap food calories for alcohol calories in an attempt to control their weight while still engaging in excessive drinking. Some people restrict their food intake to save calories for alcohol, skip meals to get drunk faster, or use alcohol as a substitute for food. While this trend may seem like a harmless shortcut to weight loss, it can lead to severe physical and mental health consequences.
What Is Drunkorexia?
Drunkorexia isn’t an official medical term, but it is widely recognized as a disordered eating and drinking behavior that combines aspects of eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, with alcohol abuse. Those who engage in drunkorexia will restrict food intake, binge drink, or exercise excessively to make up for the calories consumed through alcohol.
While the behavior can affect anyone, it is more commonly seen in college-aged women. The pressure to stay thin, combined with the party culture that exists on many campuses, creates a breeding ground for this behavior. Women may be drawn to drunkorexia because they fear gaining weight from the extra calories in alcoholic drinks, but they still want to partake in social drinking and feel the effects of alcohol more quickly.
Cristen Conger, from the popular podcast “Stuff Mom Never Told You”, explains that drunkorexia is far more than just a dangerous diet trend—it can have lasting effects on one’s health. People who engage in this behavior often end up developing other compulsive disorders and long-term health issues.
Signs of Drunkorexia
There are several warning signs that may indicate someone is engaging in drunkorexia. Recognizing these signs can be critical in helping yourself, a friend, or a loved one before the behavior escalates. Common symptoms include:
- Skipping meals before drinking: The individual avoids eating in the hours or even days leading up to a night of heavy drinking.
- Substituting food with alcohol: They view alcohol as a replacement for meals, drinking excessively in lieu of eating.
- Using exercise to “burn off” alcohol calories: After a night of drinking, they may engage in excessive workouts to compensate for the caloric intake of alcohol.
- Getting drunk faster: Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach is more likely to result in rapid intoxication, which may be the goal for those engaging in drunkorexia.
- Obsession with calorie counting: Individuals may meticulously track both their food and alcohol intake, aiming to keep their overall caloric intake as low as possible.
These behaviors signal that someone may have an unhealthy relationship with both food and alcohol, and intervention is crucial to prevent more serious health problems.
The Health Risks of Drunkorexia
The combination of malnutrition and excessive alcohol consumption can have devastating effects on the body. Here are some of the key health risks associated with drunkorexia:
1. Increased Alcohol Toxicity
Drinking on an empty stomach allows alcohol to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream, leading to quicker intoxication and a higher risk of alcohol poisoning. Without food to slow the absorption process, individuals may find themselves dangerously drunk after just a few drinks.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Restricting food intake to save calories for alcohol can result in serious nutritional deficiencies. The body requires essential nutrients—like vitamins, minerals, and proteins—that are found in food. Regularly substituting alcohol for meals can lead to weakened immune function, muscle loss, cognitive decline, and chronic fatigue.
3. Mental Health Consequences
Drunkorexia can exacerbate or lead to mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The cycle of restricting food and binge drinking can trap individuals in a dangerous loop that is difficult to break without professional help.
4. Risk of Addiction
Alcohol abuse is already a known risk factor for alcoholism, and when combined with disordered eating patterns, the likelihood of developing an addiction increases. Individuals who use alcohol as a way to cope with stress, social pressures, or body image issues may be more prone to alcohol dependency over time.
5. Long-Term Organ Damage
The long-term effects of drunkorexia include damage to vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, while malnutrition can weaken the heart and affect cognitive function. Over time, these health consequences can become irreversible.
How to Help Yourself or a Friend
If you or someone you know is engaging in drunkorexia, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:
1. Recognize the Problem
Acknowledging that drunkorexia is a harmful behavior is the first step toward recovery. Whether it’s recognizing it in yourself or a friend, being aware of the dangers of combining disordered eating with alcohol consumption is crucial.
2. Seek Professional Help
If drunkorexia has become a pattern, seeking professional support from a doctor, nutritionist, or therapist can help address both the physical and emotional aspects of the behavior. Therapy, in particular, can provide tools to cope with body image issues and unhealthy drinking habits.
3. Open the Conversation
Talking to a friend or loved one about drunkorexia can be difficult, but it’s essential for breaking the cycle. Approach the conversation with care and compassion, offering support and resources rather than judgment.
4. Practice Healthy Habits
Learning how to maintain a balanced diet while drinking in moderation is key. You don’t have to give up alcohol entirely, but ensuring you’re eating regular, nutritious meals before drinking can help prevent the negative effects of drunkorexia.
Final Thoughts: Awareness is Key
Drunkorexia may seem like just another diet trend, but its effects are detrimental to both physical and mental health. By recognizing the warning signs and understanding the risks, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from the dangers of this behavior. Whether you’re in college or beyond, it’s crucial to develop a healthy relationship with both food and alcohol, focusing on moderation and overall well-being.
As Cristen from “Stuff Mom Never Told You” emphasizes, being aware of how drunkorexia can spiral into other compulsive disorders is important for making informed, healthy decisions. By watching out for these behaviors and supporting those around you, you can enjoy a glass of wine or a night out with friends—without compromising your health.