Pro-Anorexic Websites: a Disturbing Trend

It's a known fact that being rail thin has become an obsession, especially among celebrities. Celebrities have a large influence on teens and young adults, so much that the trend has become a real problem in society. When I happened to come upon a website that was actually promoting anorexia, I was dumbfounded. Why on earth would someone want to promote such an unhealthy disorder?

There are literally hundreds of pro-anorexia websites on the Internet. These websites usually consist of on line journals written by members, with tips on how to achieve anorexic "status" and how to hide it from others. These sites usually operate with the false pretense of support. Many girls go to these sites looking for support. They do not get help from pro-anorexia sites, instead they get reinforcement of the problem. Generally, you will find pictures of emaciated, rail thin actresses being glamorized on these sites. The discussion of taking laxatives and cutting your caloric intake way down is very common.

One site I came across, it takes pride in teaching you how to be a "better" anorexic. One statement on this site that really stood out to me was, "trick yourself into believing your life sucks. Be mean to people so you can instigate fights, just to make yourself constantly on edge or nervous so you can't eat." Now, as if it isn't enough that they choose to ruin their own lives, they use tactics to aggravate other people's lives to achieve their goals. If you choose to practice an unhealthy way of life, please, by all means, don't make everybody around you lives' miserable as well.

Included on these sites are diets which tell you how to "fool" your metabolism, and how to boost your metabolism. They also recommend and anorexia journal to keep track of your caloric intake and to write your goals in. They even go as far as to recommending certain prescription anti-depressants to help suppress your appetite. Another thing they tell you to do to curb your appetite, is to eat in front of a mirror completely naked because you will be repulsed at what you see, therefore being repelled from the food. These are only a few ways they tell you how to become a better anorexic. There are literally hundreds of disturbing tips on these sites. Also, they not only tell you how to be anorexic, they also tell you how to hide it. Things like, whenever you do decide to eat, do it in the company of others so they are unsuspecting because they have seen you eat, and it gives tips on how to LOOK healthy.

You will not only find young girls, some as young as thirteen contributing to blogs on these sites, I was surprised at how many boy's and young men there are writing blogs about their goals, and how upset they are at their lack of progress. Anorexia and Bulimia has usually been stereotyped as a female issue. It has become a growing trend among young people, regardless of sex.

There are efforts from numerous groups rallying to try and get these sites shut down. There has been some success, very slowly, however, to get them shut down. Efforts probably won't be successful though, as there are literally hundreds of these sites. The only thing we can do, especially as a parent, is to be aware that these sites exist. They are mostly run by teenagers or young adults, generally using a free website account. Often these websites are disguised in text or verbally by referring to it as "pro-ana" or "pro-mia."

If you suspect a friend or loved one is suffering from anorexia or bulimia, here are some warning signs:

- Excessive weight loss
- Food restrictions or food obsession
- Fatigue
- Lack of social interaction
- Excessive exercising
- Distorted body image
- Depression
- Depressed immunity
- Internet behaviors- check your browser's cashe and history for a list of Internet sites they may have visited.

It is important to take action immediately if you suspect your loved one is suffering from one of these disorders to get the help they need.