Pro-ana/Pro mia?

[thinny]

Just wondering if you guys know what pro-ana and pro-mia is? If so what are your thoughts on that?

[boonsim]

"Pro-Ana" and "Pro-Mia" refer to the support of Anorexia and Bulimia respectively, claiming that they are a rational and effective means of weight control. I think that this is wrong because it glamorizes eating disorders, convincing people that they should not eat, purge etc. to attain a "desirable" body image.

[Mortal Coil]

"Pro-Ana" and "Pro-Mia" refer to the support of Anorexia and Bulimia respectively

Yes, this exactly, although sometimes pro-ana is used to refer to both ana and mia. I actually think that it helps people with these diseases to form bonds with each other, raising their self-esteem and hopefully helping them recover. This seems counter-intuitive, but it's my view anyway.

I don't think it necessarily glamorizes the EDs, because a lot of the time these websites will say things that remind people of the dangers of reaching critically low weights- for instance, "After a certain point, your nail beds will become blue because your body can't get blood to the extremities. Doctors will check this so be sure to always wear nail polish." These actually serve as reminders to most girls to keep their habits in check.

Just my two cents though.

[Mob Boss]

I think there's a negative and a positive to both of those. And whiile some of my ED friends try to push me to fast and continue with my bad habits others are extremely supportive and not only want to recover themselves, but they want to help me as well. I agree with evil.angel that it can create a close bond. I'm not saying all those that are proana and promia are positive, but I think saying it glamorizes eating disorders is a little far-fetched.

[Magenta]

And this thread has gone far enough. While I realize these are your opinions on the matter, VT promotes recovery and the discussion of pro-ana and -mia usually leads to the opposite. The OP has gotten her initial answer of what it is so I am locking this now as I do not think continuing this is appropriate. :locked: