It's a dangerous movement. There are entire websites, blogs and social media accounts devoted to young girls and boys cheering each other on stay anorexic.
Dr. Julie Anne, a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, says these websites are very dangerous.
"By and large, these websites are visited by adolescents who are very vulnerable," said Dr. Anne. "About one third of individuals with the eating disorders of anorexia or bulimia have gone to these sites. What is even more alarming, is that children as young as 12 years old are visiting these sites."
Eating disorders are now being diagnosed earlier in both boys and girls. The average age of onset used to be 13 to 17 years old. It is now closer to 9 or 11 years old.
Dr. Anne said anorexia is not always obvious, especially in the beginning stages, so it's important for parents to watch out for warning signs.
1) A rapid change in weight
This can be either weight loss or weight gain, which can seem counter-intuitive, but people who struggle with bulimia may go on food binges before purging.
2) Changes in mood or behavior
For example, if your child used to be excited about going out for pizza or ice cream after a sports match, and now they say they aren't hungry.
3) Sudden changes in diet, develops a rigid diet.
If your child all of a sudden begins eating very clean or healthy, pay attention. They may start paying attention to fat or sugar content or counting calories. Dr. Anne says many times, eating disorders either begin or are masked as "healthy eating".
She also recommends putting filters on technology and having kids use it in open spaces of the house like the living room or kitchen.
But, Dr. Anne says there is hope.
"Please know you can absolutely get better. Too many people have heard this myth that if you have an eating disorder, you're destined to struggle for the rest of your life, but that is absolutely not true. We know now that 66 percent of people with anorexia are able to reach full and lasting recovery" said Dr. Anne.
If you think your teen or child may be showing some of these signs, reach out to a doctor who specializes in eating disorders.
You can find a link to Dr. Julie Anne's website here, or if you live in the West Valley, the Empowerment Treatment Counseling Center for Wellness.
You can also find more information on the National Eating Disorders Association's website.