Despite a 10-year effort by search engines such as Yahoo and MSN to shut down websites that promote eating disorders, many are still operating and promoting anorexia and bulimia as positive lifestyle choices.

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health, over 90 percent of these websites are open to the public, 83 percent provide advice on how to engage in eating disordered behaviors, and only 38 percent include links or information on how to recover from eating disorders.

"Pro-ana," "pro-mia," and "thinspiration" websites usually have pictures of emaciated young women, often attractive celebrities and models. Contributors often discuss the themes of success, control, perfection, and solidarity, according to the study. Most advise people who criticize the lifestyle to leave the website.

Labels: pro-ana, pro-mia, websites

Posted By: CRC Health