Do Pro-anorexia Websites Exist?
Yes pro anorexia websites do exist. There was a big discussion a few months ago as to whether these websites should be censored or shut down as they are said to ‘glorify severe eating disorders’ and ‘encourage girls to become skinny’. The counter attack from the people who run and use these sites is that it offers girls (and boys) some support and advice. They know that they aren’t alone. Most people who use the sites recognise that they are suffering from a mental and physical illness and this is where they feel they can be understood. The main problem is that it offers ‘tips’ to lose weight which are not healthy or safe – especially for younger, growing and fragile bodies. It can become a competition of who looks skinnier in their profile picture, or who can exercise the most on the fewest calories. Anorexia (and other eating disorders) are serious. It is a mental health problem which deteriorates your body. In some ways pro-anorexia sites just show you how extreme it can be.
