'Drunkorexia' : A Common Occurence Among College Students

Drunkorexia, which involves not eating or exercising heavily before drinking, has been found to be more common in United States colleges than what was previously known. This is according to a drunkorexia study that was discussed recently at the Research Society on Alcoholism.

"College students appear to engage in these behaviours to increase alcohol effects or reduce alcohol-related calories by engaging in bulimic-type or diet/exercising/calorie-restricted eating behaviours," study author Dipali Rinker was quoted by Times Higher Education as saying. Rinker is an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Houston and author of the study.

Drunkorexia is a dangerous trend. What's more? It doesn't even work!https://t.co/HTJ5yc5Jl3 pic.twitter.com/IP7IRTc4db

— FITNESS Magazine (@FitnessMagazine) July 5, 2016

Drunkorexia Practiced By College Students

The researchers in the drunkorexia study found that 80 percent of around 1,200 college students were engaged in drunkorexia-related activities, according to The News Independent. The previous statistic known for drunkorexia was reportedly 60 percent.

"Long term, it's not a good idea to skip nutritious meals in order to consume more calories from alcohol," Aaron White was quoted as saying. White is the director of a college and underage drinking prevention at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. White said that not having food in the stomach when drinking increases the risk of blackouts, injuries and poor decisions.

More Research On Drunkorexia Needed

According to a report from Maine News Online, the researchers found that women were more likely to practice bulimic-type behavior compared to men. Still, both men and women students exhibited behavior that is prevalent in drunkorexia.

"We are now aware that this is happening, but there's still a lot that we just don't know," White was quoted as saying. "For instance, how do we prevent it? Students doing this to save calories are different than students doing this to save money or students who are doing it to get as drunk as possible. There's a lot left to untangle here about what exactly is happening."

How do you think drunkorexia should be addressed? Share your thoughts below.