Aims: Food-restricted alcohol consumption (FRAC) is a growing concern across college campuses. Several studies have investigated the prevalence of these behaviours among college students internationally, but no such studies have been conducted in Ireland. The current study investigated the prevalence of FRAC and its motivators in an Irish student population, and examined FRAC in relation to disordered eating and alcohol misuse. Gender differences between these factors were also assessed.

Method: A total of 178 participants completed online self-reported questionnaires assessing past-year FRAC, demographic characteristics, and levels of disordered eating and alcohol misuse.

Results: 54% of participants engaged in FRAC to prevent weight gain and 50% engaged in FRAC to get drunk faster. Disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, binge eating, cognitive restraint and restricting were significantly associated with engagement with FRAC, however alcohol misuse was not. More females engaged in FRAC for both motivators, and also engaged in FRAC more frequently than males. Disordered eating was associated with engaging in FRAC more often, but alcohol misuse was not.

Conclusion: The current findings confirm the prevalence FRAC and its relationship with disordered eating among Irish college students, particularly females. Findings support the need for an increased focus on protective drinking behaviours of Irish college students, particularly for women. Routine screening of eating and drinking issues may decrease the extent of unfavourable consequences of FRAC.