Is Facebook driving teenagers to eating disorders?

Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter are to be blamed for the doubling in the number of youngsters seeking help for eating disorders in the last three years, it has been revealed. According to a charity the number of children and teenagers seeking help for an eating disorder has risen by 110 per cent in the past three years, and this dramatic increase could be attributed to several factors, including the increased pressure caused by social media, the growth of celebrity culture, and the rise of anorexia websites, the Independent reported.

The charity suggested that the problem is most prevalent among girls of secondary school age, as they are more concerned about their body image and looks. Sue Minto, head of ChildLine, said 24/7 nature of social media places huge pressures on children and young people which in turn can lead to significant emotional issues. (Read: Lack of sleep makes teenage boys fat!)

Here are some eating disorders you should know about

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterised by a cycle of recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by extreme weight-control behaviours.

Types of bulimia nervosa

Purging type: Binge eating followed by regular self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.

Non-purging type: Binge eating followed by other inappropriate compensatory behaviours, such as fasting or excessive exercise or strict dieting. (Read more: Bulimia Nervosa expert tips to deal with this eating disorder)

Anorexia nervosa

It's an eating disorder characterised by extreme food restriction and an irrational fear of gaining weight. Because of this, sufferers limit the amount of food they eat. People who suffer from it are called anorexic. Various health issues are connected with this condition including a lack of energy, headaches, drowsiness and dizziness and in the long term conditions like hormonal imbalance, cardiac arrests, reduction of bone and even death (studies show that anorexia has the highest death rate among all psychological disorders). (Read more: Priyanka, Anushka , Katrina's weight loss are they bordering on anorexia?)

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