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HealthWatch: Dangerous 'Drunkorexia' Phenomenon

Medical Expert Says Social Pressures To Fit In And Look Good Are Partly To Blame For Serious Disorder

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Counting calories is common for people trying to stay fit, but a dangerous new trend is emerging where food calories are being sacrificed for alcohol.

Swapping a meal for a martini every once in a while may seem harmless at first, but there's evidence it's anything but.

"I have always had to watch my weight, and I recently moved to the city and I find it very difficult to try to balance out alcohol, calories and then food calories," Queens resident Megan Ashworth said.

For some, trading off calories is becoming a damaging habit. Eating disorder's specialists say they're treating a growing number of young women who are giving up food calories for alcohol. Although not an official medical condition, some have dubbed it "drunk-orexia."

"My concern about the drunkorexia phenomenon is that it starts people on a pattern of disordered eating that can push them in the direction of a formal disorder," said Dr. Douglas Bunnell of the Renfrew Center.

Social pressures to fit in, and also look fit are thought to be partly to blame.

"You know, if you're gonna go out and have a bunch of drinks with your friends or your co-workers, go do that, but, continue to have food as well," said Bethany Klein of East Harlem.

Dr. Douglas Bunnell is the former president of the National Eating Disorders Association. He says the "drunkorexia" phenomenon can be serious, even life threatening.

"At the extreme, 'drunkorexia' can lead to people being so badly nourished that their abilities to function cognitively and emotionally is impaired," said Dr. Bunnell.

The American Heart Association says women should not consume more than seven drinks a week, and no more than two in one sitting.

"When I go out it's never a choice between dinner or drinks. It's all about drinking in moderation," said Ellsa Dottor of Manhattan.

Experts say "drunkorexia" may actually mask an underlying problem of anorexia. Those who are suffering should get counseling before the problem goes too far.

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