Drunkorexia

disorderd eatingEating Disorders
Written By Allison Tucker, RD

Have you heard of Drunkorexia? Today, Allison Tucker, RD is diving into Drunkorexia, its like to other EDs, and why it can be so dangerous. Take it away, Allison!

Drunkorexia

It’s Friday night—maybe even Thursday—and you're getting ready to head out with friends. You haven’t eaten since lunch, maybe skipped dinner on purpose, and squeezed in a quick workout before hitting the bars. It’s just another night out, right?

It might feel like that, but this pattern of behavior is actually known as "drunkorexia," a term used to describe the practice of restricting food, over-exercising, or purging to compensate for the calories in alcohol. Although not an official diagnosis, it’s a form of disordered eating that essentially prioritizes alcohol over nutrition. It’s become so common, especially in college, that it can be easy to overlook how harmful it really is.

The College Culture

The normalization of drinking in college is so undeniable, that it’s hard to even separate the two. Thinking back on my own experience, I remember hearing all about the “Freshman 15,” but instead of discouraging drinking, it just reinforced the connection between alcohol and weight gain. Instead of cutting back on drinks, it became about “making room” for them.

Greek life placed an even greater emphasis on drinking. I can’t help but cringe at the memories of us bonding over AdvoCare meal replacement shakes and Kayla Itsines workouts before a night out at the bars. Reflecting on how binge drinking was routine, alongside the strain we put on ourselves to exercise relentlessly and control our diets, is difficult.

Even without the pressure to stay thin, other factors influence “drunkorexic” behavior. Are college students notorious for rolling in the dough? Not so much. Research shows most male college students who engage in “drunkorexic” behaviors do so due to financial motivators. Less money on food = more money to spend on drinks. 

What About After College?

While it’s obviously common among college students, drunkorexia isn’t limited to this population. Adults—whether they’re chronic dieters, professionals in social drinking environments, or simply navigating fitness trends—can fall into this trap too.

In professional settings, especially where social drinking is a norm, people might restrict food to avoid weight gain while keeping up with the drinking culture. With the rise of fitness and wellness culture, some adults turn to over-exercising and food restriction as a way to balance out alcohol intake while maintaining a certain body image. 

Why It’s So Dangerous

Skipping meals and replacing food with alcohol isn’t just about calories. It’s about compromising your health, and the risks are real. Here are some of the biggest red flags:

  • Blackouts and alcohol poisoning: Without food to slow down absorption, alcohol hits harder and faster. This increases the risk of blackouts and alcohol poisoning. 

  • Nutrient deficiencies: Skipping meals regularly means missing out on essential nutrients your body needs to function. Your immune system, energy levels, and overall health take a hit.

  • Hypoglycemia: Without food, blood sugar levels can drop dangerously. This isn’t just feeling shaky—it can cause confusion, seizures, or death.  

  • Long-term damage: Over time, the combination of alcohol abuse and poor nutrition can lead to serious issues like liver damage, heart problems, and cognitive impairment.

There’s also a mental toll, as drunkorexia is often tied to low self-esteem and anxiety; a reflection of how diet culture and social norms warp our sense of health and self-worth.

The Overlap with Eating Disorders

Drunkorexia can be especially harmful for those already struggling with eating disorders. Restricting food before drinking becomes another way to reinforce disordered behaviors. For someone who’s already scared of gaining weight, the combination of binge drinking and food restriction adds another layer of risk. People with substance abuse issues are actually 11 times more likely to have an eating disorder history, and those with eating disorders are 5 times more likely to develop substance abuse issues. 

What’s Next?

Remember, alcohol hits harder on an empty stomach, and without proper nourishment, your body can’t handle it. The risks are huge—from faster intoxication and alcohol poisoning to long-term nutrient deficiencies. 

Your body doesn’t care that you wanted to save some calories; it needs fuel to function.

It’s unsettling to think about how something as harmful as drunkorexia can become so deeply entrenched in social life. What started as a way to "fit in" ends up taking a serious toll—on physical and mental health. 

But there is hope. Recognizing these behaviors for what they are is the first step. If you or someone you know is struggling, whether in college or adulthood, you’re not alone. At Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition, our team of dietitians, therapists, and recovery coaches can help you reconnect with a healthier relationship with food, alcohol, and your body. Reach out today to learn more!

Resources Used:

Collaborative Counseling & Nutrition is an outpatient nutrition and body image counseling center, with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, that provides compassionate, holistic eating disorder treatment. Through practicing mindfulness, intuition, and Health At Every Size, we are on a mission to help you find a true state of well-being! We take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach with all our clients and work to help guide you towards a way of healthy living designed by you, just for you! This post is for education purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for treatment for an eating disorder. If you are looking for a registered dietitian or therapist to assist you on your recovery journey, please reach out today!

Allison Tucker, RD

Allison is a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Nutrition. Learn more about Allison by visiting her profile on the team page

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