Disordered eating behaviors and bone-mineral density in women who misuse alcohol

Because lower bone-mineral density is one potential physiological consequence of eating disorders and chronic alcohol misuse, the risk for osteoporosis may be compounded in women who have both conditions. This study investigated the frequency of eating disorders in 25 women who misuse alcohol and compared bone-mineral density between those with and without multiple disordered eating behaviors. Disordered eating behaviors were assessed through the EAT-26 (Eating Attitudes Test) and a structured interview addressing binge eating, purging, and other weight-control behaviors. Bone-mineral density was measured using dual energy x-ray densitometry. Although only one woman met the DSM-III-R criteria for a current eating disorder, 12% had past histories suggestive of anorexia nervosa and 40% had multiple disordered eating behaviors with bulimic features. Bone-mineral density of the femoral neck was 9.3% greater in women with multiple disordered eating behaviors (p < or = .05).