Skipping meals to lose weight due to binge drinking (a disorder called “drunkorexia”) should be classified as an illness, experts say.
One study found that one in three students regularly reduced their food consumption and increased physical exercise to offset the calories gained from alcohol.
Other studies estimate the prevalence of drunkorexia to be between 14 and 46 percent. It is also said that among his victims there are more women and adolescents.
Experts said that by cutting back on food to compensate for alcohol consumption, patients were exposing themselves to cardiovascular problems, malnutrition and dehydration.
A team of researchers analyzed all the studies on this disease among adolescents and young people around the world and concluded that it should be considered an eating disorder and alcohol abuse.
“Drunkenness should be recognized as a new disease that must be addressed from a multidisciplinary perspective,” said lead researcher Elena Andrade Gómez, a professor of public health at the University of La Rioja in Logroño, Spain.
‘Although the name drunkorexia is not clinically recognized or has a definition, it describes a new phenomenon that involves the restriction of caloric intake, the practice of excessive physical exercise and excessive alcohol consumption.’
He urged public health agencies to study treatment and prevention methods, including using social media to warn young people.
One study found that one in three students regularly reduced their food consumption and increased physical exercise to offset the calories gained from alcohol.
A team of researchers analyzed all the studies on this disease among adolescents and young people around the world and concluded that it should be considered an eating disorder and alcohol abuse.
Skipping meals to lose weight due to binge drinking (a disorder called “borrachorexia”) should be classified as an illness, experts say.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, uncovered several emotional factors, including stress, anxiety and sensation seeking.
Professor Andrade Gómez said: “Future research on drunkorexia should investigate the interrelationships between its underlying causes, including psychological factors such as low self-esteem and body image.”
‘Drunkenness is a pattern of behavior that combines dietary restrictions, excessive exercise and consumption of large amounts of alcohol, which carries significant risks to physical and mental health.
‘Effective treatment of drunkorexia requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the eating disorder and substance abuse components.
‘To achieve lasting recovery, this includes integrated care and support for complex alcohol use. Since drunkorexia can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and other health problems, medical and nutritional professionals, along with mental health professionals, are critical components of treatment.