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Is the Internet More Than Enough to Get All The Info You Need on Eating Disorders?

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I have a friend whom I think may have an eating disorder. I'm looking through the Internet to find out more information about it. Is this the best way to know more -- there are so many sites devoted to eating disorders on the Internet. Is that enough or should I look into other avenues to help me know more so I can help my friend?

Sincerely,

Very Worried GalPal

A:

Dear Very Worried GalPal,

You need to bear in mind that eating disorders are increasingly diagnosed, and the business of treating them has mushroomed. Technology is part of everyone’s lives today, and online communication about eating disorders — is also widely available and growing each day.

The problem with online eating disorder communication on the internet is that it can be unsupervised and less controlled than an in patient program or even a one-on-one person-to-person, face-to-face program. Eating disorders are often triggered by different images, emotions, behaviors, or discussions. These triggers on the internet are all over the place for people suffering from eating disorders. In fact, there are even pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites!

Technology is wonderful, but if a person has an eating disorder, it’s car needs to be taken seriously, and a controlled environment or medical program to help heal the victim of the disorder, is what’s best. So that might be the best thing to consider if you suspect your friend has an eating disorder.

I hope this helps!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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