the objective of pro-anorexia websites
- to continue to encourage anorexics to continue with their eating disorder, avoid recovery and discourage people from seeking help.
- for those looking for advice, tips and support from fellow anorexics to help them become "better" anorexics.
most pro-anorexics have their websites adorn with pictures skeletal-like girls, with skin stretched across their bones or pictures of teen celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Mary-Kate Olsen - to encourage them to continue with their obsession. many of pro-anorexics consider this a "lifestyle choice".
[image source: http://www.beepworld.de/members86/anakatlyn/index.htm]
[image source: http:www.anorexicweb.com]
[image source:http://www.evolana.spiritualitea.net/photo2.html]
they don't think themselves as victims, but more than 'survivors' or 'thrivers' - "We thrive upon challenge, upon competition, upon the raw stimulation of life, keenness of our senses, strength and artistry in our bodies, alertness and clarity in our minds’ .
this is really beyond anorexia."Anorexia Nervosa is a complex psychological disorder. Starving oneself or simply being skinny does not necessarily imply that one has Anorexia. A person diagnosed with Anorexia eats very little indeed - they don't just skip breakfast - they almost opt out of food altogether. This is often coupled with obsessive exercise. Life becomes a daily obsession with food.
how bad is it, really? pro-anorexias have their own food pyramid. water is staple 'food', and next are diet pills.
[image source: http://www.thewavemag.com/printarticle.php?articleid=22888]
the pro-anorexia culture has grown so wide (in the US) that 29 years ago, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder was set up by a lone woman, which has expanded through time.
cult or culture? obsession? illness? what do you think?
some critics believe that pro-anorexias have made it into a religion, having its own 10 commandments:
1. If you aren't thin you aren't attractive.
2. Being thin is more important than being healthy.
3. You must buy clothes, cut your hair, take laxatives, starve yourself, do anything to make yourself look thinner.
4. Thou shall not eat without feeling guilty.
5. Thou shall not eat fattening food without punishing oneself afterwards.
6. Thou shall count calories and restrict intake accordingly.
7. What the scale says is the most important thing.
8. Losing weight is good/gaining weight is bad.
9. You can never be too thin.
10. Being thin and not eating are signs of true will power and success.
[source: http://www.edreferral.com/thin_commandments.htm]
some further information:
Totally In Control
Anorexia Goes High Tech
The Skeleton Crew
Weborexics: The Ethical Issues Surrounding Pro-Ana Websites [PDF]
what an eye opener.
and i thought my cabbage lunch diet was bad.