Pro-Eating Disorder Websites:
The emergence of pro-eating disorder websites has become a cause for concern for therapists and parents alike. The information provided on these sites, frequented by young women, includes information related to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and exercise tips and tricks for restrictive eating and purging, message and chat boards, excuses for not eating and a thin-inspiring (a common term is “Thinspiration”) photo gallery, comprised of thin women and celebrities, severely emaciated women and sometimes also morbidly obese women (Eating Disorder Review, 2007). These sites are commonly referred to as "pro-Ana" or "pro-Mia" sites. Viewing these websites can lead to negative consequences, even if the site is just stumbled upon and viewed once. A 2007 study of female undergraduates found that viewers of websites featuring overly thin images had greater negative affect, lower social self-esteem, and lower feelings of attractiveness than peers who viewed websites with normal sized female models (EDR, 2007). The women also reported being more likely to work out in the near future, and perceived themselves as heavier (than viewers of sites with normal sized models) after only a single view.
Some studies even suggest that just having internet access or membership to social networking sites may increase the user's chances of developing an eating disorder. Dr. Kimberly Dennis, Medical director of a private residential treatment center in Chicago, found that in her younger patients over a third of them support their disorders with the use of social networking sites (such as Facebook), and are more likely to visit pro-Ana and pro-Mia sites than older patients (Eating Disorder Review, 2011). Dr Dennis feels that younger patients seek out the isolation that the internet provides, because it is easier and "safer" than dealing with people in a face to face setting and gives the user a sense of control. During treatment, she expects her patients to delete unhealthy pictures from their social networking sites, or even delete their whole account, as part of the "letting go" process (Eating Disorder Review, 2011). She also recommends that parents research the use of software to block harmful websites, such as pro-Ana sites.
It is worth mentioning that, in respect to eating disorders, the internet can also be a powerful ally on the road to recovery.
Some studies even suggest that just having internet access or membership to social networking sites may increase the user's chances of developing an eating disorder. Dr. Kimberly Dennis, Medical director of a private residential treatment center in Chicago, found that in her younger patients over a third of them support their disorders with the use of social networking sites (such as Facebook), and are more likely to visit pro-Ana and pro-Mia sites than older patients (Eating Disorder Review, 2011). Dr Dennis feels that younger patients seek out the isolation that the internet provides, because it is easier and "safer" than dealing with people in a face to face setting and gives the user a sense of control. During treatment, she expects her patients to delete unhealthy pictures from their social networking sites, or even delete their whole account, as part of the "letting go" process (Eating Disorder Review, 2011). She also recommends that parents research the use of software to block harmful websites, such as pro-Ana sites.
It is worth mentioning that, in respect to eating disorders, the internet can also be a powerful ally on the road to recovery.
Web-based Intervention: Recovery Sites and Support Blogs
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has focused more in recent years on the benefits of internet and media usage for patients with eating disorders (Eating Disorders Review 2006). The internet can be used as a powerful tool in the recovery of individuals struggling with anorexia and bulimia, when used in conjunction with a face to face program. It is the goal of sites like Eating Disorders Anonymous and the NEDA website to facilitate support for those who seek it. Many sites like these offer blogs where users can read the experiences of others in similar situations and comment or ask questions in a safe environment.
Online intervention is often an appealing idea because programs are easy to follow and navigate for users, as well as being an efficient means of low cost treatment to larger groups. "Digital coaching" programs use algorithms to personalize behavior interventions to the user as they proceed through treatment. This simulates seeing a real clinician face to face; a novelty some users could not afford (Bedrosian, R. C., Striegel-Moore, R. H., & Wang, C., 2011). Even e-mail has effectively been utilized in the treatment of eating disorders. One study found that e-mail facilitated an increase in communication between therapist and patient and made the patient engage more in their treatment. Patients reported being more likely to follow up with questions they had between face to face visits, because they didn't feel like they were "bothering" their therapist, and feeling they had more flexibility in their own responses (Myers, T., Swan-Kremeier, L., Wonderlich, S., Lancaster, K., & Mitchell, J. E., 2004).
Online intervention is often an appealing idea because programs are easy to follow and navigate for users, as well as being an efficient means of low cost treatment to larger groups. "Digital coaching" programs use algorithms to personalize behavior interventions to the user as they proceed through treatment. This simulates seeing a real clinician face to face; a novelty some users could not afford (Bedrosian, R. C., Striegel-Moore, R. H., & Wang, C., 2011). Even e-mail has effectively been utilized in the treatment of eating disorders. One study found that e-mail facilitated an increase in communication between therapist and patient and made the patient engage more in their treatment. Patients reported being more likely to follow up with questions they had between face to face visits, because they didn't feel like they were "bothering" their therapist, and feeling they had more flexibility in their own responses (Myers, T., Swan-Kremeier, L., Wonderlich, S., Lancaster, K., & Mitchell, J. E., 2004).
Dieting Sites: Helpful or Harmful?
Dieting is defined as an attempt to restrict one's caloric intake in order to reduce or maintain body weight and size. In order to do this successfully, one must ignore internal cues that signal hungry and also external cues (responses to delicious or attractive food). Studies indicate that dieting tends to have negative impacts on psychological well being. The well known Key's study of starvation showed that low calorie intake can have dramatic consequences. Among these, participants reported impaired judgement and concentration, poor comprehension, and preoccupation with food and eating. This often led to binge eating later. Dieting is also associated with increased anxiety, nervousness, anger, irritability, and depression (McFarlane, T., Polivy, J. and McCabe, R. E., 1999).
Some studies have also shown that dieters (restrained eaters) report lower self-esteem than non-dieters. Due to higher preoccupation with weight, dieters tend to be effected negatively when they fail to maintain permanent long term weight loss. It is no surprise that the same participates also rates self-image to be as important or of greater importance than most other things in their lives (McFarlane, T., Polivy, J. and McCabe, R. E., 1999). These are the maladaptive effects of dieting. With the internet swiftly becoming the "go-to" place for individuals to seek information, new dieting sites are always popping up, as well as an array of existing dieting companies who now have an online presence. These leads to literary thousands of companies claiming that they have the answer to your weight loss problems. Unfortunately the diet industry dose not offer accurate information about the efficiency of their diets, if any efficiency has been proven at all. Before starting any diet plan, the most sucess will be found by first educating one's self about the harm and negative side effects that can be caused by severe calorie restriction. Alternatives, such as exercise, and natural eating may prove more effective, and lead to self-acceptance (McFarlane, T., Polivy, J. and McCabe, R. E., 1999). On the positive side of internet intervention and health, it can also be used to generate general guidelines for intake of specific nutrients in an attempt to examine appropriate eating habits, optimize nutritional intake, and contribute to behavioral interventions. Learn more about this under the Intervention and Acceptance tab.
For More Information: If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, you can contact www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 for information and referrals.
Some studies have also shown that dieters (restrained eaters) report lower self-esteem than non-dieters. Due to higher preoccupation with weight, dieters tend to be effected negatively when they fail to maintain permanent long term weight loss. It is no surprise that the same participates also rates self-image to be as important or of greater importance than most other things in their lives (McFarlane, T., Polivy, J. and McCabe, R. E., 1999). These are the maladaptive effects of dieting. With the internet swiftly becoming the "go-to" place for individuals to seek information, new dieting sites are always popping up, as well as an array of existing dieting companies who now have an online presence. These leads to literary thousands of companies claiming that they have the answer to your weight loss problems. Unfortunately the diet industry dose not offer accurate information about the efficiency of their diets, if any efficiency has been proven at all. Before starting any diet plan, the most sucess will be found by first educating one's self about the harm and negative side effects that can be caused by severe calorie restriction. Alternatives, such as exercise, and natural eating may prove more effective, and lead to self-acceptance (McFarlane, T., Polivy, J. and McCabe, R. E., 1999). On the positive side of internet intervention and health, it can also be used to generate general guidelines for intake of specific nutrients in an attempt to examine appropriate eating habits, optimize nutritional intake, and contribute to behavioral interventions. Learn more about this under the Intervention and Acceptance tab.
For More Information: If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, you can contact www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 for information and referrals.