The Internet can be a guide to recovery for those suffering from anorexia and bulimia, but it can also be a place to promote the disorders in a positive light.

Since 2001, pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia Web sites have been popping up everywhere.

Dr. Michelle Roling, coordinator of the eating disorder program at Student Counseling Service, said she sees pro-anorexia Web sites and online groups as a major concern.

“From a health standpoint, these sites are a trigger for whoever stumbles upon it,” Roling said.

HouseofThin.com is one such Web site that says they are pro-ana. According to the Web site, the mission is to “provide a safe, stable online home for those who have an eating disorder,” but not be a place to promote anorexia.

Another similar Web site is www.pro-ana-nation.com, which has a similar message. The site states that pro-ana sites are for people who already have an eating disorder and are looking for support. Its definition of someone who is pro-ana is someone who has not recovered from anorexia yet.

However, the Web site repeatedly states that the pro-ana movement is not against recovery and that it promotes healthy living.

“Pro does not mean promote; it’s pro-active. We fight for the right to seek support and understanding and never promote this hell to anyone,” wrote an anonymous individual on the www.houseofthin.com Web site regarding a news telecast that reported the site promoted eating disorders as a lifestyle.

However, Roling said people seeking online support sites should only trust sites given to them by their therapist. Some sites are regulated and approved by people in the health field to be pro-recovery sites.

“If you wanted to be healthy, you would not associate with pro-ana Web sites,” Roling said.

Other pro-ana Web sites do not even give the idea of being pro-recovery.

Fading-Obsession.com actually lists 57 reasons why someone should be or continue to be anorexic. A tagline on the Web site, “Fading to perfection my faithful Obsession,” and other articles on the site depict dangerously thin women and tips on how to eat the least amount of food possible.

Another Web site sports a section titled “Thinspiration,” which shows pictures of extremely thin people, including celebrities such as Kate Moss, Audrey Hepburn and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Another tactic these sites use is showing pictures of overweight and obese individuals.

An underground movement pro-ana members have been pushing is the wearing of bracelets or certain colors to form a support group for those who have eating disorders. A red bracelet signifies anorexia and a purple bracelet signifies bulimia.

“People who wear the bracelets are stating that they accept their behavior and are trying to connect with others,” Roling said.

Roling said anyone seeking support for an eating disorder should come and get help.

“The sooner someone comes in, the sooner we can help end the misunderstandings about eating disorders,” Roling said.