Study claims Web a danger to patients with eating disorders

[HuckleB]

Study claims Web a danger to patients with eating disorders

http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=17574&repository=0001_article

"Nearly four out of 10 teenagers with eating disorders visit Web sites that encourage their unhealthy habits, states a study recently issued by the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. The Web sites provide tips on how to lose weight more easily and express pride in what they call a “lifestyle choice.”

The goal of the report — co-authored by Rebecka Peebles of the division of adolescent medicine at both the School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and medical student Jenny Wilson — was to look at the impact such Web sites have on both adolescents with eating disorders and their parents.

Last fall, the research team sent out questionnaires to all 678 patients treated for eating disorders at the Stanford Hospital since 1997, ranging in age from 10 to 22. For patients under age 18, a consent form was sent in a separate envelope for parents to fill out as well.

The survey found that 39 percent of the subjects had visited Web sites that encouraged eating disorders. Moreover, the study found that these patients tended to spend less time on schoolwork and more time in the hospital than those who did not visit the Web sites. However, Web site usage did not increase the likelihood of major health issues, including osteoporosis, the length of a disorder or reproductive capacity.

..."

I suspect there's a bit of the chicken and the egg in this, but it is worth noting, at least.

[lenidog]

1. I tend to agree with you. It very much the chicken or the egg in this

situation. I read this article last night about Anorexia and the net.


http://www.showmenews.com/2005/Jun/20050601News018.asp

[freeplessinseattle]

2. lot's of chicken/egg in this. don't even get me started (nt)