Bookmark and Share

Eating Disorders Blog

John Hopkins University Studying Pro-Anorexia Web Sites

A study out of Johns Hopkins University is analyzing the content of over 150 websites that promote anorexic and bulimic behaviors. Researchers hope the information will help them better understand the influence such sites have over people who are developing, or have, eating disorders.

“The lead author of the study, Dina L.G. Borzekowski, an associate professor in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Health, Behavior and Society, is in the final phases of completing another study that explores the effects of pro-eating disorders websites on young people.” [Source: The Baltimore Sun]

Pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites remain particularly problematic in the effort to combat eating disorders. More than 90 percent of the sites reviewed contained dangerous and damaging material, and even some interactive features that allowed people to calculate their body mass index and the number of calories they eat in a day.


 

Labels: pro-anorexia, internet, pro-bulimia

Posted By: Aspen Education Group

Comments:

Kensington on 8/4/2010
I'm interested in the final results of the study. Pro sites are so prevalent, whether it's a disorganized one seen by a few people or bigger ones with thousands of members. A lot of parents are quite shocked to see what goes on with websites that offer the assurance that eating disorders are "just a lifestyle choice". I'm so glad I wasn't a teenager when this phenomenon started as I doubt I would've recognized them for what they are.