Holmfirth woman warns of ‘vile’ pro-ana websites

Sep 19 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Helen said she is often ill and has damaged her joints and muscles through starving herself.

She didn’t want to disclose the lowest weight she had reached at her lowest point battling anorexia.

She said: “I have encountered many expensive trips to the dentist.

“I suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence and even trying to drive into my local town can bring on panic attacks.

“This is an awful destructive illness and it is certainly nothing to do with looking glamorous on a catwalk.

Psychiatrists have advised the UK Council for Child Internet Safety to keep children safe on-line should specifically address the rise of ‘pro-ana’ or ‘pro-mia’ sites advocating anorexia and bulimia.

Professor Ulrike Schmidt, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s Eating Disorders Section, said: “Pro-ana and pro-mia websites advocate anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa as a lifestyle choice, rather than as serious mental disorders.”