{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,13]],"date-time":"2025-05-13T14:55:31Z","timestamp":1747148131924,"version":"3.40.5"},"reference-count":38,"publisher":"Wiley","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2023,10,31]],"date-time":"2023-10-31T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1698710400000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":["onlinelibrary.wiley.com"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["Intl J Eating Disorders"],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2024,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Objective<\/jats:title><jats:p>While studies have focused on pro\u2010ana communities and pro\u2010anorexia websites, no research has been conducted on the presence of pro\u2010anorexia coaches within these communities. This study aimed to gain insight into the modus operandi of pro\u2010anorexia coaches.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method<\/jats:title><jats:p>First, three fake profiles were used to attempt interaction with pro\u2010anorexia coaches (<jats:italic>n<\/jats:italic>\u2009=\u200931). Second, an online questionnaire on experiences with pro\u2010anorexia coaches was completed by 79 respondents. Third, a follow\u2010up in\u2010depth interview was conducted with 14 of these respondents.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results<\/jats:title><jats:p>The results show that pro\u2010anorexia coaches' behavior fits a five\u2010staged model which has similarities to stages of online grooming. They focus on (1) building trust and developing a dependency relationship with the aim of (2) obtaining sexually explicit materials. Subsequently, they (3) increase pressure, (4) utilize blackmail methods with acquired content, and (5) groom respondents to meet in person.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Discussion<\/jats:title><jats:p>Pro\u2010anorexia coaches deliberately abuse vulnerable young people who suffer from eating disorders to receive sexually explicit material or to meet face\u2010to\u2010face with a sexual intention. This study shows that the modus operandi of pro\u2010ana coaches is similar to online grooming. Clinical professionals need to be aware of this practice to detect victims and potential victims in order to support and treat them. Prevention is invaluable to further combat pro\u2010anorexia coaches and protect potential victims.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Public Significance<\/jats:title><jats:p>Individuals with an eating disorder are avid internet users. A minority frequent pro\u2010anorexia websites and fora seeking help in losing weight. This study showed that pro\u2010anorexia coaches prey on these individuals, often to obtain sexually explicit content. The modus operandi of pro\u2010anorexia coaches shows similarities to online grooming. Awareness of this phenomenon and the way in which pro\u2010anorexia coaches operate is valuable for clinicians, parents, and teachers.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1002\/eat.24074","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2023,10,31]],"date-time":"2023-10-31T14:51:23Z","timestamp":1698763883000},"page":"124-131","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Pro\u2010anorexia coaches prey on individuals with eating disorders"],"prefix":"10.1002","volume":"57","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0008-3279-6337","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"E. 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