Anorexics caught by web

The social network allows the existence of groups that encourage people to follow their addition and control problems according to the Eating Disorders Foundation.

Groups including Get Thin or Die Trying and I'm Anorexic So Stop Feeding Me swap tips and tricks on how to lose weight, encourage competition to shed the most kilograms and motivate each other.

Apparently you can find "thinspiration" galleries featuring pictures of emaciated women with bare, collapsed stomachs and protruding bones,"before and after" shots of anorexic celebs. There are also motivational quotes such as "nothing tastes as good as thin feels".

Eating Disorders Foundation chief executive Amanda Jordan said it was almost impossible to regulate the content of online "pro-ana" and "pro-mia" (bulimia) groups.

However she admitted it was like butting your head against brick wall to try to control cyberspace.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Sloane Madden told the Sydney Morning Herald that people with eating disorders often felt isolated and go to sites like Facebook for support. But it is difficult to know what kind of advice is being given to them.

Maddon said it would be a good idea to have a professionally funded site overseen by a mental health expert.

Facebook said many groups dealt with controversial topics but this is not a reason to disable them.

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