Heavy College Drinking Can Have Long-Lasting Effects

KU Medical Study Indicates That Heavy Drinking During College Years May Lead to Obesity Later

 

According to a study conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center, heavy drinking during college can lead to obesity down the road. Binge drinking or “heavy episodic drinking” during early adulthood is linked to an increased risk for obesity within five years. 

As noted in the KU Medical Center News, a whopping 65 percent of adults in the country are considered overweight or obese. During early adulthood (generally college-aged) weight gain can happen rapidly. Studies show that several factors can contribute to weight gain in these early years including:

  • Not getting enough exercise
  • Consuming too much fast food
  • Consuming too many sugary beverages

But the study out of the KU Medical Center indicates that heavy alcohol consumption may also be a risk factor. Binge drinking is common for college-aged students (18-24 year olds). Binge drinking or heavy episodic drinking is generally defined as “five or more drinks in one episode for males, four or more for females.” This kind of drinking means that a person is taking in hundreds of calories in a single sitting. 

By looking at previously collected data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, researchers at KU Medical Center were able to show that binge drinking during early adulthood led to a “41 percent increased risk of transitioning from normal weight in people aged 18-26 to overweight in people aged 24-32.” Additionally, the data showed a 36 percent increased risk of transitioning from overweight to obese during that same period.

Being overweight or obese in early adulthood can be a strong indicator of what your weight will be like later in life. An unhealthy weight can lead to long-term health problems including an increased risk for diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and infertility.

Read the full study: “Heavy drinking in college can lead to obesity later in life.”