The rates and characteristics of drunkorexia in a non-clinical group of adults declaring alcohol consumption

Purpose
“Drunkorexia” describes a phenomenon in which alcohol consumption is associated with unhealthy eating habits. The tendency to use extreme forms of weight control is a way to compensate for the planned drinking episodes. The objective of the study was to characterize the phenomenon in a non-clinical group of adults declaring alcohol consumption, and to assess its relationships with alcohol use and disordered eating related variables.

Methods
286 individuals placed in Upper Silesia, Poland participating in the online research program completed the following online surveys: demographics, AUDIT, EAT-26, CEBRACS, and DMBS. CEBRACS>21 cut off was used to identify the drunkorexia group. The inclusion criteria required an age above 18 and a declaration of alcohol consumption. The exclusion criteria were the self-reported formal diagnosis of alcohol dependence or eating disorders.

Results
Drunkorexia was observed among 43% of the study group. The drunkorexia group had significantly more problems related to alcohol consumption, endorsed higher dieting and eating restrictions, social motives, eating avoidance, and compensatory behaviors. Hierarchical regression showed that higher AUDIT, oral control on EAT-26, social motives for drinking and restrictive eating, eating avoidance, and altering drinking behavior to control calories accounted for 63% of variance in drunkorexia severity. Cluster analysis indicated two distinct groups: one with pronounced disordered eating behaviors and one with pronounced alcohol consumption behaviors.

Conclusions
Drunkorexia appears to be prevalent among people who consume some amount of alcohol without clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence or eating disorders. Meeting the cut-off for drunkorexia is associated with greater problems related to alcohol use and disordered eating behaviors. The results obtained from the research may suggest drunkorexia as an independent psycholo­gical construct with some elements of eating disorders and alcohol abuse. The present study highlights the need to screen for drunkorexia, to educate and support individuals who have difficulties coping with the challenges of their environment or the pressures of the slim body culture.