College students who restricted food on days they used alcohol, marijuana, or both experienced more substance-related consequences than those who did not restrict food.
college health professionals, substance use prevention researchers, eating disorder clinicians
What the researchers found
Among past 30-day marijuana users, hours spent high and food restriction on use days independently predicted greater marijuana-related consequences. For simultaneous alcohol and marijuana users, food restriction moderated the effect of marijuana quantity on marijuana consequences. Alcohol quantity and food restriction independently predicted alcohol consequences among drinkers.
Why it matters
Simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use is increasingly common among college students. This study identifies food restriction as an additional risk factor that amplifies negative outcomes, a pattern that could inform campus prevention programs.
The numbers in context
901 college students surveyed. Among drinkers: alcohol quantity and food restriction independently predicted consequences. Among marijuana users: hours high and food restriction independently predicted consequences. Food restriction on SAM days moderated marijuana quantity's effect on consequences.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional survey of 901 college students examining associations between substance use (alcohol, marijuana, simultaneous use), food restriction on substance use days, and negative consequences. Hierarchical regression tested main effects and interactions.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. Self-reported substance use and food restriction. Single university sample limits generalizability. Food restriction motivations (weight control, forgetting to eat, financial) were not distinguished.
How to read the evidence
Cross-sectional survey design with self-reported data from a single university places this at preliminary evidence.
When this study was published
Recent cross-sectional survey of US college students.
The bigger picture
The intersection of disordered eating behaviors and substance use in college populations is understudied. This research suggests that food restriction around substance use represents a compounding risk factor worth addressing in prevention efforts.
Questions still open
- Why do students restrict food on substance use days?
- Would addressing food restriction reduce substance-related consequences?
Common questions
Why would skipping meals make marijuana effects worse?
Is using alcohol and marijuana together more risky?
Read the original research
Associations Between Food Restriction, Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Co-Use, and Consequences Among College Students.
Substance use & misuse, 60(5), 704-714
Citation
Shute, Ireland M; Fitzke, Reagan E; Buch, Keegan D; Brown, Megan E; Prince, Mark A; Murray, Stuart B; Pedersen, Eric R. (2025). Associations Between Food Restriction, Alcohol and Marijuana Use and Co-Use, and Consequences Among College Students.. Substance use & misuse, 60(5), 704-714. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2447419
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