Health concerns have been raised over a significant rise in the number of pro-ana/pro-mia websites. These websites encourage women towards dangerous weight loss by eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
A group of top psychiatrists have warned against the pro-anorexia sites that are soaring in popularity through blogs and social networking groups.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder most commonly found among teenage girls. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a very low body weight, generally defined as 15% below the Body Mass Index.
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Online members compete with others to lose weight, share tips on disguising anorexia or bulimia from family and doctors, reveal crash dieting techniques and recipes and upload images of dramatic weight loss.
"When I was really desperate I'd go on all the time, looking for tips on the latest diet and wondering what to do next," Sky News quoted recovering anorexic Emma Columbine as saying.
![Bulimia Nervosa]( "Bulimia Nervosa")
The term ''Bulimia'' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation.
"And seeing photos of skinny celebrities - I just aspired to be like them," the 20-year-old added.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' Eating Disorders Section warned against its effect on young people, saying greater awareness was required to deal with the dangers of such groups.
Susan Ringwood, from eating disorder charity BEAT, also said: "We want to increase awareness about these websites and make sure people know the dangers.
"And also to tell people that there are good positive resources out there for people with eating disorders that can help recovery, not encourage illness."
Source: ANI
TAN
Bulimia Nervosa
The term ''Bulimia'' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation.
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"And seeing photos of skinny celebrities - I just aspired to be like them," the 20-year-old added.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' Eating Disorders Section warned against its effect on young people, saying greater awareness was required to deal with the dangers of such groups.
Susan Ringwood, from eating disorder charity BEAT, also said: "We want to increase awareness about these websites and make sure people know the dangers.
"And also to tell people that there are good positive resources out there for people with eating disorders that can help recovery, not encourage illness."
Source: ANI
TAN
Quiz on Anorexia / Bulimia
Anorexia Nervosa - is it a psychological disorder , or simply an eating disorder gotten out of hand? And how does it differ from Bulimia Nervosa? Participate in our anorexia quiz to find out how well you understand this condition; learn its modern-day implications and how, in these mordern times, it affects both sexes equally .
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 Review Sheds New Light on Causes of AnorexiaUsing a novel imaging technology, scientists have shed new light on abnormalities in the brains of anorexia nervosa patients that may contribute to the puzzling symptoms... | Advertisement
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