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Social networking sites are being used to encourage and promote eating disorders.


There is nothing new about so-called pro-ana websites that offer 'thinspiration' and suggest ways of hiding your problem from friends and family, but the advent of sites like Facebook has allowed groups to be set up very quickly and easily.

On one Facebook group, a user asks: "How can I convince myself not to be hungry?! I want to be thinner, a lot thinner!!"

On the discussion wall of another a member is looking for a 'thin pal'.

"Anyone up for being weight loss penpals, sharing tips, that sort of thing?" she writes.

But this is not about a pound here or there. It is about fasting, starving, disappearing.

At the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a campaign has been launched to make parents and website providers understand the dangers of the groups.

Dr Ty Glover, a consultant psychiatrist on the Eating Disorders Unit at Cheadle Royal Hospital which is running the campaign, has seen first hand the impact that pro-ana groups can have.

"Someone in the grip of anorexia will see the reinforcement of their ideal in these sites.

"Social networking sites should be monitoring these groups and removing them. You don't have to have free speech on them at this price," he said.

But Natalia Wasiuta, 25, a recovering anorexic from Chorley, told Sky News that it is almost impossible to stop the groups.
Former anorexics have urged social sites to remove Pro-Ana groups
Former anorexics have urged social sites to remove Pro-Ana groups

She said: "I tried to go on the site I used to visit and left a message saying I was getting better and offering help. No-one was interested. It's as though you are not welcome anymore.

"It's the wrong kind of world but when you are in it, it grows and grows around you."

Although the groups pose serious risks to vulnerable young women, they are far outweighed on Facebook by support groups.

The group to ask Facebook to remove pro-ana sites has attracted 1,300 members.

Campaigners have also infiltrated the pro-anorexia sites and offered help and support on their message boards.

But experts say anorexics tend to be competitive and driven young women and if they want to create online communities, whether via Facebook or elsewhere, they will.

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