Researchers link Facebook and eating disorders in young girls

A recent study from the University of Haifa found an association between eating disorders and the social media network Facebook, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Researchers found that the more teenage girls use Facebook, the higher the risk of developing an eating disorder. They added that this study shows that parents need to supervise their children while they use the internet.

The study also suggested that girls who are constantly involved with Facebook may develop a single-minded focus on their looks, habits and behaviors. As a result, the level of their personal will was negatively associated to eating disorders.

Some experts say that peer pressure and the media's perception of perfection may add to this. Motivating teens may be difficult, but parents may seek programs for troubled teens to help adolescence overcome low self-esteem.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 0.6 percent of the population will suffer from anorexia at some point during their lifetime. Meanwhile, nearly 3 percent will become bulimic.