The Dangers of Pro-ED Websites

Contributed by Amy M. Klimek, MA, LCPC, Director of Program Development, Eating Disorder Program Coordinator, Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Many websites are an excellent source of information, having the ability to transform, even save, people’s lives. On the contrary, Pro-Ana, Pro-Mia and Pro-ED websites advocate, support and encourage eating disorders, which can significantly harm the lives of the intended audience.

These dangerous websites thrive through covert tactics, rarely appearing forthcoming about the intent, the true agenda remaining hidden beneath layers of provocative “healthy” statements regarding fitness and lifestyle.

While searching the Internet for the most benign topics, such as how to be successful running a marathon, or tips on clean eating, with just a couple of clicks, a person will arrive at a site with the ever-inviting and dangerous message that weight loss is the answer to their questions. It is easy to be seduced by this message.

A Support Group for Unhealthy Behaviors

Conversely, those with an active eating disorder search for these sites to validate the behaviors as they become a member of a community. These platforms function as a type of support group, encouraging the eating disorder, agreeing with the behaviors, and comforting them in the solace that they are not alone.

This reassures that an eating disorder is an acceptable life choice delivering the answer they have been searching for.

Taking the message a step further, an element of elitism involved, indicating those with EDs are stronger and smarter than most as they have risen above the base demands of their bodies exerting high levels of discipline, and control through conquering the desires of food.

A Community for Those with an Isolating Disease

Imagine being a 16-year-old with anorexia. Your family, has “turned against” you, constantly encouraging you to eat, not understanding what you are going through. Then you discover a community you identify with, not only understanding, but providing tips to make you more successful in the quest to be a better anorexic.

Posting photos of extremely thin bodies reinforcing the goal, they serve as cheerleaders with comments such as, “You’re doing great, why not try to cut out another hundred calories a day.” If you display even the slightest weakness, you quickly receive encouragement such as “Don’t stop– you can do it!” These sites are destructive and manipulative, taking advantage of the isolation felt by those suffering from the illness.

The Internet can be a tool or a weapon to those suffering. Recognizing the danger, Facebook and Tumbler, have joined with the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to block these communities from forming and providing resources to those who need help.

NEDA, increasing their own presence on social media, launched Proud2BMe, an interactive website supporting healthy attitudes about food, weight and body image.

Support Groups to Help With Eating Disorders

Iamthatgirl.com is an online and offline community giving girls a safe space to discover and express oneself through dialogue, photos and music.

These initiatives are a starting point; but it is the viewer’s responsibility to be aware, mindful, and willing not to click on the next possible destructive pro- eating disorder website, understanding the difference between the deceptive content and those supportive media sources available.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are ways that you discover encouraging and educational material to inspire and maintain your eating disorder recovery?

The opinions and views of our guest bloggers are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 11th, 2014
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com