Eating Disorders Blog

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 1 Comment

Tens of millions of young people have Facebook accounts. They post status and relationship updates, share funny videos and upload pictures. Some, however, have second – secret – accounts where the videos are about weight loss and the pictures are “thinspiring.”

“There seems to be a Facebook group for every sub-section of disordered eater: Ana/Mia Anonymous (‘mia’ is the ‘cute’ short-form of bulimia); I’m Not Anorexic, I Just Only Eat on Tuesday; and Christians with Eating Disorders.” [Source: CanWest News Service]

Unfortunately, these groups don’t encourage people to get help for their eating disorders. Rather, they encourage people to embrace their dangerous, sometimes deadly habits. Parents are encouraged to keep an eye on their kids’ Internet activities and start asking questions if they notice something unusual or potentially dangerous.

Labels: pro-anorexia, internet, pro-bulimia, social networks

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment