Alcohol use, eating patterns, and weight behaviors in a university population.
OBJECTIVE
To explore associations between alcohol, alcohol-related eating, and weight-related health indicators.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, multivariate regression of weight behaviors, binge drinking, and alcohol-related eating, using self-reported student survey data (n=3206 undergraduates/graduates).


RESULTS
Binge drinking was associated with poor diets, unhealthy weight control, body dissatisfaction, and sedentary behavior. Neither year in school nor age modified these relationships. Alcohol-related eating was associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
Binge drinking was associated with an array of adverse behaviors. These associations did not differ between undergraduate and graduate students. Initiatives are needed to assist students in overcoming campus norms promoting unhealthy alcohol and dietary patterns.
Nelson
Melissa C
MC
Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1015, USA. nelson@epi.umn.edu
Lust
Katherine
K
Story
Mary
M
Ehlinger
Ed
E
D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult