Binge drinking in women at risk for developing eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE To determine binge drinking rates in college-age women at risk for eating disorders and to examine factors related to binge drinking over time. METHOD Participants were 480 college-age women who were at high risk for developing an eating disorder (ED) and who had a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 32. Participants were assessed annually for 4 years. RESULTS Participants reported high rates of binge drinking and frequent binge drinking throughout college. Binge drinking was positively correlated with dietary restraint, coping using substances, coping using denial, and life events. DISCUSSION The study's findings suggest that binge drinking is highly prevalent in women at high risk for developing eating disorders. Results also indicated that binge drinking was related to dieting and maladaptive coping patterns. Intervention for women with strong weight and shape concerns should also address problematic alcohol use.