Research: Calories vs Cocktails: When Diet Culture Meets Binge Drinking

Posted: 02/05/2025

Drunkorexia is a concerning blend of disordered eating and alcohol misuse and is emerging as a significant issue among young women at university. Characterised by behaviours such as meal skipping, excessive exercise, or purging to compensate for alcohol calories, it is often driven by body image pressures and social drinking culture. Recent Australian research found that over 28% of female university students aged 18–24 engage in these behaviours, which are closely linked to underlying emotional challenges such as low self-control, emotional deprivation, and social isolation. This behaviour is not simply a lifestyle choice, it is often a coping mechanism that puts students at serious risk of alcohol poisoning, eating disorders, and poor mental health. Universities have a vital role to play by promoting body-positive culture, raising awareness of the risks, and encouraging regular physical activity as a healthy outlet.

Citation: Powell‐jones, A. & Simpson, S. Drunkorexia: An investigation of symptomatology and early maladaptive schemas within a female, young adult Australian population. Australian Psychologist, 2020. (link)

More Articles in Healthy Campus Projects

Research: Move More, Drink Less? Unpacking Daily Habits of University Life

Posted: 02/05/2025

The habits formed during university years often shape long-term health outcomes, making this a critical period for establishing positive behaviours. However, this period is also marked by shifts in movement-related behaviours (such as physical activity and sedentary time) and increased substance use, often in unhealthy directions. Physical inactivity, prolonged sedentary behaviour, and alcohol use are […]

Research: Could physical activity alleviate smartphone addiction in university students?

Posted: 02/05/2025

Since the iPhone’s launch in 2007, smartphones have shifted from being a luxury to a daily necessity. However, growing overdependence on technology—particularly smartphones—may carry health risks. A recent systematic review spanning 12 countries examined the relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity among university students. The findings revealed a clear inverse relationship: students with higher […]

Culture, Community and Competition Shine at the Victorian International Student Sports Festival

Posted: 01/05/2025

The Victorian International Student Sports Festival (VISSF) returned for its second year, bringing vibrant culture and energetic competition to life at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last Saturday. The festival welcomed 470 international students from 26 nations and 12 universities for an action-packed day of badminton, basketball, and table tennis. Hosted by UniSport Australia […]

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