Some girls who struggle with eating disorders think that pro-anorexic sites help them feel better about their disorder and their obsession with weight and appearance. But investigators from the University of Missouri in Columbia have discovered that the opposite is true.

"After looking at the anorexia-promoting Web site, young women had worse moods, worse social self-esteem, and a worse sense of their ability to cope with their appearance than those who viewed one of the other two websites [on fashion and home décor]. They also thought of themselves as heavier and said they were more likely to exercise and think about their weight in the near future."

In light of these results, the study's authors suggest that parents closely monitor the websites their children view, consider blocking pro-anorexia websites and keeping a "family" computer in an open area of the house.

Struggling girls boarding schools, like Copper Canyon Academy in Arizona, offer a combination of therapy and academics to help teenage girls get back on track.

Labels: body_image, pro-ana, self-esteem