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Health

Campaigners call for action on pro-anorexia websites

24/02/2008

Healthcare campaigners are warning against the dangers of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites.

Doctors at one of the largest eating disorders clinics in the country said social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook should take more responsibility.

Dr Ty Glover, consultant psychiatrist on the Eating Disorders Unit at Cheadle Royal Hospital, said: "Social networking sites can censor their material and we expect them to act responsibly.

"We are horrified at the content of these sites and the tips they give on how to be thin."

According to official estimates, up to one million people a year now suffer from eating disorders and up to 90,000 are actively seeking help.

Liberal democrat MP Mark Hunter has sponsored an early day motion highlighting his concerns over "the number of websites encouraging millions of vulnerable young people to become anorexic or bulimic, falsely promoting eating disorders as a lifestyle choice and supplying tips on how to maintain their disorder in secret."

Mr Hunter has called on the government to promote awareness of the dangers of these sites.

It is thought there are more than 500 pro-ana and pro-mia internet sites.

Although campaigners claim the sites are extremely dangerous as they encourage eating disorders, some say they are the only outlet for many and act as support groups.