An unfortunate part of the adolescent experience is the comparison the young adult begins to draw between themselves and others. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, an obsession can be created from this comparison that manifests itself in an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are well-publicized, and have received attention over the years for their potential correlation to the media favoring thin people. It’s a little known fact that there are pro-Anorexic and pro-Bulimia (or “pro-Ana” and “pro-Mia” as the prescribers to these philosophies call them) groups forming within the anonymous confines of the internet. These groups provide tips and encouragement for carrying out the rituals associated with these diseases.
Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia
Innocent websites can quickly become dens of disease and suffering, with followers so passionate they will lash out when another member of the website criticizes the group. Blog websites, which allow users to write public or private online journals, serve as an easy way for the Anas and the Mias to meet and support each other.
One website with a wealth of these girls contained a vast majority under the age of 18, looking for ways to hide their disease from their parents. Some were “in recovery”, but using the advice of others to help mask the fact that they are still succumbing to the bad habits that lead them to therapy to begin with. This same website has a list of “trending” topics discussed in blogs. With over 100,000 users on this blog site, both “Pro-Ana” and “Pro-Mia” tags were alarmingly close to the top of the list.
Symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia, both physical and emotional. There are signs that can help identify someone with one of these disorders. Typically the person:
- loses a great deal of weight in a short span of time.
- is dehydrated.
- suffers from insomnia or fatigue.
- is obsessive about food and calories.
- is over-exercising.
- suffers from depression.
- withdraws socially.
- obsessesabout body image.
- frequently uses the restroom after eating to purge
- uses laxatives
- has sores in the mouth
- has marks on hands and fingers (caused by frequent insertion into mouth for purging)
Tips for Parents
Internet Use
Parents should be keenly aware of what websites a child is visiting. An innocent-sounding blog website could be a breeding ground for pro-Ana propaganda. Viewing the content, as well as the internet history, is very important. Words to look for:
- ana
- mia
- thispiration
- negative calorie foods
- fasting
Red Bracelets
A red bracelet has become a secret symbol of support for the Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia groups. If a teen is displaying signs of bulimia or anorexia and suddenly sports a red bracelet, this could be indicative of some Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia affiliation.
Self-Image
Ensuring that a teen has a positive image of his or herself that extends through and beyond body-image is tantamount for an eating-disorder-proof child. There are several elements that factor in eating disorders, but prevention begins with feeling a sense of self-worth all-around.
For Additional Resources on Eating Disorders and Pro-Ana, see:
Garner, David M. and Paul E. Garfinkel. 1980 "Socio-Cultural Factors in the Development of Anorexia Nervosa" Psychological Medicine 10.
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