Support or Suicide? Pro-Ana in Hamilton |
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Posted on April 20 2009 under Community
 By Chantelle Tinney
While many of us stuffed our faces during Easter feasts this month, there were people whose stomachs turned at the thought of having to sit down and eat with their family. They were not upset at spending time with their family. They were upset they would be forced to eat far more food than they would have liked to. These people suffer from eating disorders. While many people may blame eating disorders on the toned bodies in magazines or fad diets, body issues are increasingly commonplace in Hamilton no matter age, gender or race. Pro Ana is a cultural phenomenon that appears to be steadily gaining popularity in Canada. Pro Ana, which stands for Pro Anorexic involves individuals with the eating disorder called anorexia. People who support the Pro Ana movement believe that anorexia is not a disease, but a lifestyle choice. There are an increasing number of websites that claim to offer a place for those afflicted with anorexia to come together for discussion and support. Anorexics severely restrict their food intake to reach unrealistic and potentially deadly weights. Many end up in hospital. Some die. Many of the websites that support the Pro Ana movement list reasons why someone should continue to starve themselves with “thinspirational” lists. One such list includes, “People who eat are selfish and unrealistic”; “Starve off the parts you don't need. They're ugly and they drag you down”; “You'll be the envy of all the other girls”; and “You will be able to see your beautiful, beautiful bones.” Another site states: “Being thin is more important than being healthy” and “You must buy clothes, cut your hair, take laxatives, starve yourself, do anything to make yourself look thinner”. These types of lists have caused a number of medical professional cause for concern and many professionals seriously question how “thinspirational” lists can assist any one on the road to recovery. Anorexia is an extremely serious infliction that is very hard to overcome. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders did a study that reported five to 10 per cent of all anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease. Eighteen to 20 per cent of anorexics will be dead after 20 years. Only 30 to 40 per cent of anorexics ever fully recover. While many of the Pro Ana websites and Facebook groups state, “We aren’t hurting anyone.” The statistics state otherwise. Sounds pretty harmful to me. |
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Comments
It's the blind leading the blind. They are trying to make it seem like they are in control, yet we all know that isn't the case.
Anyone who thinks they will win their 'choice' with anorexia should look up Kristi - a pro-ana leader who documents her suicide online.
http://kristi4.livejournal.com/
Many people will say that it is unrelated, but this is the ultimate end for anyone who thinks they can control this disorder
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