What are the risks of
Drunkorexia, because so far
I don’t see anything that’s not
to love about getting drunk
fast and saving on calories.
In theory this may seem legit, but in reality drunkorexia
behaviors such as skipping meals before drinking
alcohol or exercising heavily to offset calories from
alcohol are ineffective and dangerous. Here’s why...
It’s no surprise drinking on an empty stomach turns things up in a
hurry. Guess what else happens in a hurry? Losing the good
judgement, inhibitions and self-control that keeps you from stuffing
your face with delicious, high calorie foods when intoxicated.
With nothing in your stomach to slow the rate of absorption,
alcohol travels quickly to the bloodstream, rapidly increasing blood
alcohol concentration (BAC). Among other impairments, sensory
functions such as smell and taste are also impaired when BACs
rise above .06, making it easier to throw back shots like a champ
and consume more alcohol. More alcohol equals more calories.
You can figure about 100 calories for every pull of hard liquor
(about 1.5 oz.), or about 1,200 calories in a 16 ounce water bottle
filled with liquor, but that’s not all.
Alcohol stimulates the appetite control center of your brain, known
as the hypothalamus, making you extra hungry. Typically we don’t
see hungry drunks pigging out on celery and kale chips because
with lowered inhibitions and less self-control we tend to make
different decisions about food.
Think about how “easy” it is to avoid a beautiful late-night pizza
delivered to your door when you are totally sober with full selfcontrol, NOT. Now let’s talk about the reality of denying said pizza
when your self-control went out the door while pre-gaming, on an
empty stomach, already starving.
Another significant danger from restricting food intake during the
day to avoid extra calories from partying at night, is that alcohol
provides no nutritional value to fuel your body. This can quickly
lead to dehydration and malnutrition due to alcohol’s empty
calories, along with increased risk for alcohol-overdose, blackouts,
risky decisions, and vulnerability to dangerous situations.
Calorie-conscious drinkers typically consume fewer calories when
consuming alcohol in moderation after eating a protein-based
meal. Food provides the body with healthy nutrients while helping
ease into the sweet buzz that offers the feel-good effects and
social benefits that most drinkers are seeking.
For more information on nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits, visit
the www.ChooseMyPlate.gov website, or reach out to our campus
dietician, Lexi Cournoyer.
82% of Mavericks say they always eat
before and/or while drinking.
(NCHA, 2016)
(2015)