Binge Drinking and Disordered Eating in College Students

Title: Binge Drinking and Disordered Eating in College Students Abstract Purpose: To explore the co-occurrence of binge drinking and disordered eating behaviors in college age students. Data Sources: Data were collected from 211 college age students (mean age 20.7 years) at a private university in the northeastern U.S. using a web-based survey. Gender specific binge drinking rates (5 drinks per occasion for men and 4 drinks per occasion for women) were ascertained. Disordered eating behaviors included measures of binge eating as well as unhealthy weight loss behaviors (skipping meals, fasting, diet pills, laxatives and self induced vomiting). Conclusions: Binge drinking rates were high (63% of female, 83% of male students). Binge eating was reported by 48% of students and was correlated with healthy and unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Female students were more likely to endorse the use of skipping meals, fasting, use of diet pills, laxatives and self-induced vomiting. Implications for Practice: Binge drinking and disordered eating behaviors are practiced by both male and female students and are common occurrences on college campuses. Nurse Practitioners need to be aware of these behaviors, their co-occurrence, and the need to assess and intervene with students who are at risk for the negative health outcomes associated with the use of these behaviors.