What Is Thinspiration and How Can “Pro-Ana” Websites Trigger Eating Disorders? Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchMarch 21, 2017Thinspiration is a term used to describe images and writings that promote extreme slenderness as a body ideal. These materials frequently appear on pro-ana websites that treat thinspiration as a cultural norm. Research indicates that the vast majority of these websites promote eating disorders by providing detailed information on how to begin, maintain and hide…
Social Media & the Rise of Anorexia Athletica Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchJanuary 7, 2017Despite no official recognition as a mental health disorder, anorexia athletica is nonetheless a dangerous phenomenon that seems to be spurred in part by social media.
Researchers Dig Deeper Into Neuropsychology of Anorexia Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchSeptember 29, 2015Recent findings from a team of Norwegian and British researchers indicate that girls and women with anorexia may compulsively check their bodies because they have unusual difficulty switching between mental tasks, although the evidence is far from conclusive.
Deep Brain Stimulation Promising Treatment for Severe Anorexia Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchSeptember 22, 2015An experimental procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promise as a treatment for severe anorexia nervosa. DBS is currently an approved treatment procedure for essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it is being studied as a treatment for anorexia, chronic pain and certain affective disorders.
People With Anorexia Aren’t Motivated By Hunger Signals Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchSeptember 5, 2015The brains of women who have recovered from anorexia nervosa react differently to hunger signals than the brains of women who have never suffered from an eating disorder, according to new research from the University of California, San Diego.
Bulimia and Anorexia Alter Women’s Decision-Making Processes Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchJune 29, 2015Several mood-related factors contribute to altered decision-making processes in women affected by the eating disorders bulimia and anorexia, according to new findings from a team of Japanese researchers.
Does Anxiety Contribute to Depression in Women With Anorexia? Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchJune 17, 2015The presence of anxiety in a woman affected by anorexia nervosa can substantially heighten the chances that she will develop significant depression symptoms, according to recent findings from a group of British and Dutch researchers.
Activity Trackers Can Be a Danger for People With Eating Disorders Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchApril 7, 2015Activity trackers that monitor daily input and output of calories are helping many people jumpstart an exercise routine and become more active. In a society that has become increasingly inactive and overweight, activity trackers are generally considered to be a positive influence. However, activity trackers can be a risk for people living with eating disorders…
Pro-Ana Websites Fuel Eating Disorders Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchFebruary 17, 2015Thinspiration and pro-ana are terms describing a disturbing trend online and especially on social media that involves supporting people in developing eating disorders. Type either term into a search engine and you will find any number of sites, social media groups, chat rooms and forums dedicated to members supporting each other in the quest to…
Female Athletes at High Risk for Eating Disorders Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchOctober 27, 2014The eating disorder risk that female athletes face is intuitive and counter-intuitive at the same time. On the one hand, it’s natural to assume that athletes know how to take care of their bodies as well or better than anyone else in the world. On the other hand, many athletes are under great pressure to…
