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What is pro-ana? Pro-ana was the term used to describe sites that catered to eating disorders (usually anorexia). The first wave movement started back in 2001 as a means for other anorexics to
connect with each other so as not to suffer in silence. It gained popularity rapidly, and with the help of media spotlights rose to remarkable increase in visitors to the sites. This rise was both good
and bad. Good in that it brought light to the whole movement and the anorexic rights issue, and others who wanted to reach out for help with no where to turn was now able to seek out others. Bad
in that a sudden wave of people wanted to get anorexia, and thought that being on the forums would give them the "ana diet." Over time the media has blown this term way out of proportion and
making it out to be such rediculous ideals as "cults" and that the owners were "recruiting" others into an anorexic lifestyle. The very notion that the internet will give you an eating disorder is lewd to
begin with. It's not a computer virus that will infect you too. However, through all of these blatent lies about the movement, some were lead to believe in what the media preached about it and began
believing in it themselves ... including anorexics. Several sites started popping up as "hard core" and were the very thing pro-ana was not. Not all hardcore sites are bad however, but the majority
are not real ones. Many first wave sites never lasted long, and there are very few left that are done in the true first wave style. And of the ones out there today, they are all mere copycats of the first
wave sites (in content and material).
connect with each other so as not to suffer in silence. It gained popularity rapidly, and with the help of media spotlights rose to remarkable increase in visitors to the sites. This rise was both good
and bad. Good in that it brought light to the whole movement and the anorexic rights issue, and others who wanted to reach out for help with no where to turn was now able to seek out others. Bad
in that a sudden wave of people wanted to get anorexia, and thought that being on the forums would give them the "ana diet." Over time the media has blown this term way out of proportion and
making it out to be such rediculous ideals as "cults" and that the owners were "recruiting" others into an anorexic lifestyle. The very notion that the internet will give you an eating disorder is lewd to
begin with. It's not a computer virus that will infect you too. However, through all of these blatent lies about the movement, some were lead to believe in what the media preached about it and began
believing in it themselves ... including anorexics. Several sites started popping up as "hard core" and were the very thing pro-ana was not. Not all hardcore sites are bad however, but the majority
are not real ones. Many first wave sites never lasted long, and there are very few left that are done in the true first wave style. And of the ones out there today, they are all mere copycats of the first
wave sites (in content and material).
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What is Anorexia?
Anorexia is characterized by a significant weight loss
resulting from excessive dieting. Most women and an
increasing number of men are motivated by the strong
desire to be thin and a fear of becoming obese.
Anorexics consider themselves to be fat, no matter
what their actual weight is. Often anorexics do not
recognize they are underweight and may still "feel fat"
at 80 lbs. Anorexics close to death will show you on
their bodies where they feel they need to lose weight. In
their attempts to become even thinner, the anorexic will
avoid food and taking in calories at all costs, which can
result in death. An estimated 10 to 20% will eventually
die from complications related to it.
Anorexics usually strive for perfection. They set very
high standards for themselves and feel they always
have to prove their competence. They usually always
put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. A
person with anorexia may also feel the only control they
have in their lives is in the area of food and weight. If
they can't control what is happening around them, they
can control their weight. Each morning the number on
the scale will determine whether or not they have
succeeded or failed in their goal for thinness. They feel
powerful and in control when they can make
themselves lose weight. Sometimes focusing on
calories and losing weight is their way of blocking out
feelings and emotions. For them, it's easier to diet then
it is to deal with their problems directly.
Anorexics usually have low self-esteem and sometimes
feel they don't deserve to eat. The anorexics usually
deny that anything is wrong. Hunger is strongly denied.
They usually resist any attempts to help them because
the idea of therapy is seen only as a way to force them
to eat. Once they admit they have a problem and are
willing to seek help, they can be treated effectively
through a combination of psychological, nutritional and
medical care.
Anorexia is characterized by a significant weight loss
resulting from excessive dieting. Most women and an
increasing number of men are motivated by the strong
desire to be thin and a fear of becoming obese.
Anorexics consider themselves to be fat, no matter
what their actual weight is. Often anorexics do not
recognize they are underweight and may still "feel fat"
at 80 lbs. Anorexics close to death will show you on
their bodies where they feel they need to lose weight. In
their attempts to become even thinner, the anorexic will
avoid food and taking in calories at all costs, which can
result in death. An estimated 10 to 20% will eventually
die from complications related to it.
Anorexics usually strive for perfection. They set very
high standards for themselves and feel they always
have to prove their competence. They usually always
put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. A
person with anorexia may also feel the only control they
have in their lives is in the area of food and weight. If
they can't control what is happening around them, they
can control their weight. Each morning the number on
the scale will determine whether or not they have
succeeded or failed in their goal for thinness. They feel
powerful and in control when they can make
themselves lose weight. Sometimes focusing on
calories and losing weight is their way of blocking out
feelings and emotions. For them, it's easier to diet then
it is to deal with their problems directly.
Anorexics usually have low self-esteem and sometimes
feel they don't deserve to eat. The anorexics usually
deny that anything is wrong. Hunger is strongly denied.
They usually resist any attempts to help them because
the idea of therapy is seen only as a way to force them
to eat. Once they admit they have a problem and are
willing to seek help, they can be treated effectively
through a combination of psychological, nutritional and
medical care.
Stay Beautiful
Let's face it... Being Ana takes it's toll on our bodies, inside and out. So here are some
helpful tips on keeping up lookin' good on the outside.
At a certain weight, which is different for everyone, you will lose your period. This is a good
thing because it means that you’re losing weight. Still, it would be wise if you’d take calcium
supplements, if you don’t already. Don’t let your mother find out about your lost period
because she will most likely take you to the doctor. Never under any circumstances tell a
doctor that you’ve lost your period. They will have you in an eating disorder clinic faster
than you can say "What the hell?". Before you go to the doctor’s, make sure that you have
a date to tell them in case they ask about your last period, and make sure the date is
believable.
As you lose weight, your skin will become dry and sallow and it will heal slowly. Make sure
that you use LOTS of lotion where it is needed and take a multivitamin. If you lose enough
weight, your body will develop lanugo, which is a very fine downy hair that covers your
body. It can easily be removed with a mild depilatory followed by hydrocortisone cream.
Your hair and nails will suffer do to lack of suffiecient protein. Use volumizing shampoo and
lots of conditioner to keep hair full and shiny. If you lose enough, eventually your hair will
fall out. Sad, but true. Try to keep from pulling at the roots of your hair. Always put hair in
loose ponytails instead of tight ones. Also, keep your nails polished. Low circulation to your
fingertips make your nails turn blue and that’s a thing doctors look for.
Let's face it... Being Ana takes it's toll on our bodies, inside and out. So here are some
helpful tips on keeping up lookin' good on the outside.
At a certain weight, which is different for everyone, you will lose your period. This is a good
thing because it means that you’re losing weight. Still, it would be wise if you’d take calcium
supplements, if you don’t already. Don’t let your mother find out about your lost period
because she will most likely take you to the doctor. Never under any circumstances tell a
doctor that you’ve lost your period. They will have you in an eating disorder clinic faster
than you can say "What the hell?". Before you go to the doctor’s, make sure that you have
a date to tell them in case they ask about your last period, and make sure the date is
believable.
As you lose weight, your skin will become dry and sallow and it will heal slowly. Make sure
that you use LOTS of lotion where it is needed and take a multivitamin. If you lose enough
weight, your body will develop lanugo, which is a very fine downy hair that covers your
body. It can easily be removed with a mild depilatory followed by hydrocortisone cream.
Your hair and nails will suffer do to lack of suffiecient protein. Use volumizing shampoo and
lots of conditioner to keep hair full and shiny. If you lose enough, eventually your hair will
fall out. Sad, but true. Try to keep from pulling at the roots of your hair. Always put hair in
loose ponytails instead of tight ones. Also, keep your nails polished. Low circulation to your
fingertips make your nails turn blue and that’s a thing doctors look for.
