Differences between preemptive and non-preemptive physical activity among ‘drunkorexia’-positive college students

Abstract

Objective: ‘Drunkorexia’ is characterized by compensating for alcohol-related calories using physical activity (PA). Drunkorexia is common on college campuses but little is known about the PA behaviors within the drunkorexia paradigm. Methods: First-year college students living on campus completed an online survey collecting drunkorexia, PA, and alcohol consumption data. A total of 127 participants reported engaging in drunkorexia behaviors. Results: Fifty-three participants were classified as preemptively physically active (e.g., PA and drink on Tuesday) compared to 74 as non-preemptively physically active. Preemptively physically active participants consumed more alcohol on Fridays and Saturdays than those non-preemptively physically active. Preemptively physically active participants engaged in significantly greater amounts PA. Females accounted for all significant differences between groups. Discussion: Among drunkorexia-positive participants, many made preemptive efforts to control their calories before consuming alcohol, which may predispose them to higher incidences of adverse outcomes such as alcohol poisoning, unwanted sexual advances, and death.

Keywords:

• College students
• alcohol
• disordered eating
• physical activity
• health

Additional information

Funding

Support for RB was provided by grant funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (T32HL069771). Support for RJ was provided by grant funding from the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (T32HD071886).