Warning on pro-anorexia websites

Psychiatrists have expressed concern about the growing number of websites promoting eating disorders.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK said Government plans to keep children safe online should address the rise of so-called pro-ana and pro-mia sites that advocate anorexia and bulimia.

The College says these sites promote eating disorders as a lifestyle choice when they are actually mental disorders.

It says viewing such sites can induce low mood, low self-esteem and increased body dissatisfaction.

The College feels the broader societal context in which these sites thrive is one where young women are constantly bombarded with images of supposed female perfection that are impossible to achieve.

As a result, the sites make women feel bad about themselves and significantly increase their risk of developing eating disorders, the College said.

[Posted: Sat 19/09/2009]