Thoughts on Pro-Anorexia Diets

susannamarie

Talking about alcohol in front of an alcoholic is different than putting a beer in front of him. What was posted previously is equivalent to putting the beer in front of the alcoholic. It was a bad idea and I'm going to report it and all posts after that quote it. It shouldn't be there.

This is fitness site (and a weight loss forum), akin to an alcoholic going to a bar. I don't think the crowd should refrain from drinking in front of him. It would be up to him to avoid such places if they were triggers.

There's a bit of a difference between having a drink in front of him and placing one in his hand.

rml_16

Talking about alcohol in front of an alcoholic is different than putting a beer in front of him. What was posted previously is equivalent to putting the beer in front of the alcoholic. It was a bad idea and I'm going to report it and all posts after that quote it. It shouldn't be there.

This is fitness site (and a weight loss forum), akin to an alcoholic going to a bar. I don't think the crowd should refrain from drinking in front of him. It would be up to him to avoid such places if they were triggers.

Oh, FPS. She posted a STEP BY STEP GUIDE. How do you people NOT see the problem with this?

*bangs head*

I agree this was a bit over the top. My only issue is that it must just be super easy to find this, so a forum post on mfp isn't going to make it any easier than a google search.

But you'd have to actually be looking for it in a Google search.

Bumdrahp

holy crap i thought for a minute I was losing my mind re-reading the same thing!

People get into a vicious cycle and the outdated dieting beliefs are to blame. You're always told to eat less and move more, but sometimes that really isn't the answer. They get to the point where they start to lose their lean mass rapidly, and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly, so to keep losing weight they cut their intake and exercise even more, which leads to more lean mass loss and their BMR falls accordingly...you get the idea.

rchupka87

I think the trigger here would have been the title of the topic. If you are sensitive to the topic, don't open it and read everyones comments. I honestly don't think anyone here meant to offend or hurt anyone. I *personally* believe that this was started to raise awareness....

Who's to say what anyone that believes in a Pro-Anorexia diet needs? There are so many factors that can contribute to something like this: Psychological reasons, abuse, self esteem issues, ingornorance of what is actually happening to your body, etc. Just like anything else, there is no blanket disease here. There are varying degrees. And I think that knowledge is the best way to help people suffering from this horrible disorder. Maybe it's a simple discussion with your child. Maybe it's years of therapy retraining your brain about an ED and self image.

Regardless, we are here as a community to help and support one another along our journeys. Some of us are trying to lose weight. Some of us are trying to gain weight. Some are obese, some used to be obese. Some are anorexic, and some people are recovering from an eating disorder. We are all kinds of people, from all walks of life, all with different journeys. We are all not going to agree on the "right" way to lose weight. For some, it's low carb. For others, is low cal. For others still, it's high cal and lifting weights. For even more, it's eat whatever you want, and then run until your legs fall off.

My point is, no one should be pointing fingers here. Support and love each other. We are all here for the same reason, to learn to live a healthier life. To me, it doesn't matter what side of the spectrum you are starting on.

WhitneyAnnabelle

@Billsica, while the post was a little off-putting, referencing Uncyclopedia may be the best thing I've ever seen on an MFP forum.

Helloitsdan

Talking about alcohol in front of an alcoholic is different than putting a beer in front of him. What was posted previously is equivalent to putting the beer in front of the alcoholic. It was a bad idea and I'm going to report it and all posts after that quote it. It shouldn't be there.

Get over yourself.
Srs!
This is a website with people trying to get healthy.
You will always come across the 2 extremes.
Better be sure you go back and report all the "Food Porn" topics too because that promotes eating.
And we know what happens when we over eat!!!!
Chill and read.
At some point mods will come in and decide the fate of this topic.
Sheesh!

sma83

Anyone else find that Yarwell guy a complete *kitten* and beyond annoying? Or is that just me? I literally want to throw up when I see his name pop up on the forums. Shut up already!

mfpcopine

I stumbled upon an 18 year old's page yesterday who is pro anorexic and she posts links to an incredibly disturbing anorexic website. This child is going to die if she continues this way. She eats less than 800 cals/day and posts in her notes in her food diary her goal weight....hoping to get into the 80s or 90s. As a mother, it pains me to see people this sick. What can we do?

Contact her parents. Change Society so people feel less vulnerable and are less inclined to express a desire for control in this way.

How? Generally people don't list their next of kin's contact details on their tumblr account.

It's a better idea than raising it in an unrelated forum with a bunch of strangers. I was assuming the reference was to Facebook. It's very easy to find contact info for people, especially teenagers.

I don't really think it's anyone's business, especially since the woman is 18, but it was a suggestion that could be acted on.

rml_16

Get over yourself.

Honestly, I've tried. But I keep coming back to myself and making all these promises I never keep and it starts things all up again.

Helloitsdan

Get over yourself.

Honestly, I've tried. But I keep coming back to myself and making all these promises I never keep and it starts things all up again.

;D

I have that same problem!

BlackDhalia403

Stop making these threads please if you don't know what you're talking about .

suziblues2000

The Topic: Thoughts on Pro-Anorexia Diets....

My oldest child (daughter) is now 12 years old. She's become a bit obsessed with being "thin" lately. I find myself watching her like a hawk now to make sure she actually eats and eat healthy. I'm scared sh&tless that she will harm her body by starving and developing a ED. I'm her mom....what do you expect? I'll harm myself before I'll watch her being caused harm, by her own means or by anothers.

So, I went and researched it - the whole Pro-Ana and ED subjects. I was shocked senseless. And ended up being even more afraid for her.
I will and am educating her on the very heartbreaking reality of these so called "diets". I will continue doing so and will educate her in doing it RIGHT. Eating enough, and most importantly - Healthy.

Those of you that comment on "See...she does it with only 800 or 1000 or 1100 calories a day!!"..... If its done under Dr's. care, yes, its safe. Mostly, see me saying mostly, the person losing healthily and safely on that is an obese person that can do it like that. The closer you get to goal weight though, the harder it will be sustaining and keep on being healthy on that amount of calories. Especially if you are exercising and your GOAL is life long health. Short term weight loss is easy if you starve. Its stupid as well.

Why the hell would you want to eat only a little bit for the rest of your life if you can eat quite a lot - healthy food with the occasional treat in there. And dont tell me you cant help how you feel about food...you can if you get the help you need.

Anyway.....I thought I'd share this bit of shocking, disgusting and vile advice from a so called human being that thinks its fine telling the kids and young adults of today that THIS is the way to live your life... (found this while doing my research for my daughter on Pro-Ana):


5 week plan (To start off with Ana)
Labels: Tips and Trics
Here's a diet plan for those who are still eating way to much! It's a 4week plan to decrease your calorie intake and increase your exercise untill you've reached Ana's standards.

Step 1: (One week)
* Decreae calorie intake to 1000 cals a day
* Read nutritioning labels
* 100 crunches a day
* 2 hours running a week

Step 2: (One week)
* Decrease calorie intake to 500 cals a day
* If eaten more -> Vomit!
* 200 crunches a day
* 30 minutes swimming/cycling/skating/dancing a day
* Take weight loss pills

Step 3: (One week)
* 500 calories a day
* Vomit after every meal!
* 250 crunches a day
* 2 hours running a week
* Take weight loss pills
* 1 hour swimming?cycling/skating/dancing a day

Step 4: (For ever)
* 500 calories a day
* Create control, cut yourself when you've eaten more
* 300 crunches a day
* 2 hours skating/swimming/dancing/cycling a week
* Take weight loss pills
* Take laxatives
* Vomit after everything you ate!!

Written by Jade Posted at 06:41

Truly wish you didn't post that. There is a reason a lot of people in recovery are on My FITNESS Pal. I read forum posts to be motivated, and feel supported. Not be reminded of the similar tragic cycle I was stuck in for over 10 years.

We all know what 'pro-ana' is. Didn't need to post anything. I'm going to stay away from this forum for a while.

So you mean by not posting whats being told to kids and adults are the way to go.... Ignorance is bliss?????
I'm really sorry that it reminds you of what you have had to go through and I'm sure it brings back very bad memories, but I did not post it to cause pain or hurt you or anyone thats been there or struggling right now.
I did it to show people what is out there freely available to our kids - as a warning to be AWARE of this.
Knowledge is Power.

I don't think you need reminder in the form of a post like that, I'm fairly sure you live with your reminders every day. And I don't mean that in a bad way....You just confirmed what lots of people on this thread has said: ED is a disease, a wrecker of life. And once again - Knowledge is power.... I needed to KNOW what is out there that can destroy my daughters life! And I'll share that knowledge with everyone that will listen! Not to hurt or cause pain, but to hopefully save a girl from the hurt and pain you are very well aware of.

I truly hope you do not stay away from this forum - there are too much good for you to benefit from by staying involved. If you could use your knowledge to save another, it would be even wonderful.

I wish you only the best.

Exactly! I realize that sometimes it hurts to be reminded of the past, but if it will help somebody then it's good! If everybody just stuffed their knowledge way down deep and never spoke of it again, good or bad, nobody would EVER learn anything!

echoica

Can a mod please lock this ridiculous thread already? *sigh*

adrian_indy

Anorexia is bad and starvation mode is real, but the word, as previously mentioned, is misused. I've known several people who have had bouts with anorexia and it was a first hand look with someone who is out of their mind. Just like a truly depressed person can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, an anorexic can't see how thin they are. The reason pro-anorexic sites exist is because young ladies, and some young men, who for what ever reasons think they are too fat, now have a community in which feeds their mental illness with the comfort of numbers. Best way to combat this is to lose weight the right way, keep your diaries open, and hope that they can see how the right way, if you want to call it that, is the best way.

As far as starvation mode goes, arguing about it is almost pointless because everyone here has a different body, metabolism, enviornment and life. From personal experience, although I have never been truly starving, I have noticed this about myself and only myself. For about a year I worked at a post office, and there was days I walked a route delivering mail, at times it was almost every day. The route was 8.5 miles long. I decided this would be a great chance to lose weight. I would also lift weighs a few times a week at night. I started dieting and cut back my portions and intake. Never lost a pound. Didn't track my cals, didn't eat a lot of protein, was just crash dieting and had no results. Now, I eat more, exercise, eat healthy, and I'm losing a lot. Lots of x-factors here, but this is what I noticed.

Helloitsdan

Stop making these threads please if you don't know what you're talking about .

Its generally the new ppl to the forums who come riding in on their white horses to save us all, not realizing that 99% of these topics could be found under a quick search.

suziblues2000

The Topic: Thoughts on Pro-Anorexia Diets....

My oldest child (daughter) is now 12 years old. She's become a bit obsessed with being "thin" lately. I find myself watching her like a hawk now to make sure she actually eats and eat healthy. I'm scared sh&tless that she will harm her body by starving and developing a ED. I'm her mom....what do you expect? I'll harm myself before I'll watch her being caused harm, by her own means or by anothers.

So, I went and researched it - the whole Pro-Ana and ED subjects. I was shocked senseless. And ended up being even more afraid for her.
I will and am educating her on the very heartbreaking reality of these so called "diets". I will continue doing so and will educate her in doing it RIGHT. Eating enough, and most importantly - Healthy.

Those of you that comment on "See...she does it with only 800 or 1000 or 1100 calories a day!!"..... If its done under Dr's. care, yes, its safe. Mostly, see me saying mostly, the person losing healthily and safely on that is an obese person that can do it like that. The closer you get to goal weight though, the harder it will be sustaining and keep on being healthy on that amount of calories. Especially if you are exercising and your GOAL is life long health. Short term weight loss is easy if you starve. Its stupid as well.

Why the hell would you want to eat only a little bit for the rest of your life if you can eat quite a lot - healthy food with the occasional treat in there. And dont tell me you cant help how you feel about food...you can if you get the help you need.

Anyway.....I thought I'd share this bit of shocking, disgusting and vile advice from a so called human being that thinks its fine telling the kids and young adults of today that THIS is the way to live your life... (found this while doing my research for my daughter on Pro-Ana):

Truly wish you didn't post that. There is a reason a lot of people in recovery are on My FITNESS Pal. I read forum posts to be motivated, and feel supported. Not be reminded of the similar tragic cycle I was stuck in for over 10 years.

We all know what 'pro-ana' is. Didn't need to post anything. I'm going to stay away from this forum for a while.

So you mean by not posting whats being told to kids and adults are the way to go.... Ignorance is bliss?????
I'm really sorry that it reminds you of what you have had to go through and I'm sure it brings back very bad memories, but I did not post it to cause pain or hurt you or anyone thats been there or struggling right now.
I did it to show people what is out there freely available to our kids - as a warning to be AWARE of this.
Knowledge is Power.

I don't think you need reminder in the form of a post like that, I'm fairly sure you live with your reminders every day. And I don't mean that in a bad way....You just confirmed what lots of people on this thread has said: ED is a disease, a wrecker of life. And once again - Knowledge is power.... I needed to KNOW what is out there that can destroy my daughters life! And I'll share that knowledge with everyone that will listen! Not to hurt or cause pain, but to hopefully save a girl from the hurt and pain you are very well aware of.

I truly hope you do not stay away from this forum - there are too much good for you to benefit from by staying involved. If you could use your knowledge to save another, it would be even wonderful.

I wish you only the best.

No, she's saying that you shouldn't post TRIGGERING content on the boards where members who are using this site "correctly" might see it! You could have at least put a trigger warning, jesus. Get off your bloody high horse and THINK about where you're posting this! You could have linked to the website with a TW, rather than put that to see!

I would think that there would be all kinds off triggers on a site where the majority of people are trying to lose weight. There are alcoholics on this site and people talk about alcohol, there are those with food addictions too...

I do agree with this, but, again, a step-by-step guide to developing an eating disorder on a public forum is a bit extreme

Holy Crap!!! Trigger? Come on! People have to deal with 'triggers' every single day!
I know personally how scary triggers can be, but I also know that anything ANYTHING can be a trigger if you want it to be! IF what she posted is going to trigger somebody to do something detrimental to their health they need to get their self into a hospital where they can be under somebody's watchful care.

Mindmovesbody

Anyone else find that Yarwell guy a complete *kitten* and beyond annoying? Or is that just me? I literally want to throw up when I see his name pop up on the forums. Shut up already!

I agree! He clearly has a ton of time on his hands to read through and comment on, or rather argue with EVERYTHING people say. Just ignore it. Some people just love to argue and end up going completely off topic to do it. The OP wrote something very nice and this turned into something so off topic. Anorexia is horrible and it is a disease. People can get help but MFP cannot help nor are the mods responsible for who signs up to be on here and how they live their lives...just like any other site or app. That being said, I choose to just ignore the ignorant. To the OP, I agree. So sad too. I pray my children never end up with any ED. It breaks my heart.

BlackDhalia403

Stop making these threads please if you don't know what you're talking about .

Its generally the new ppl to the forums who come riding in on their white horses to save us all, not realizing that 99% of these topics could be found under a quick search.

It's annoying to see these threads constantly , we all know the dangers of being on an unhealthy diet . So why doesn't everyone stop b*tching already !

fbmandy55

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Dipperdd

I am a dancer and dance instructor that has to stand in front of a mirror for up to 8 hours a day. For non fad dieters who truly suffer with this can be the best eye opening site there is. In just the few days I've been on here I've noticed how I had slipped back into "Old habits" without even realizing I was depriving myself of the correct amount of calories and there fore slowed down my BMR. I am using it to track my progress to help me lose the weight I have gained from life and aging in general, and not to allow myself back into the anorexic frame of mind. For me eating the reccomended cals is difficult because it seems like some much food compared to my mind set, but I am working on it. People who think they can toy with eating disorders need to know they are playing with fire. And Dance instructors who promote that kind of behavior need to be put out of business because some unfortunatly still do promote this insanity. Though I did not learn this from my instructor as a teen but from being bullied by others where I danced. I devised it as a way to deal with being build like Pamela Anderson in a "Twiggy" ballerina world. I plead with you, don't extracate the ones that are a dealing with Eating disorders, try to educate them, coach them, befriend them and help them. If we weren't all suffering from some sort of eating issues, we wouldn't need this site to help us track the foods we eat or the calories we burn. This site is wonderful for people with Eating disorders if they are educated as to how to use it properly. How to control their weight properly. If they have no intention to use to better themselves it is a shame, but it is also a shame that they have fallen into the delusion that models and stars really look like their magazine pictures. I appologize for the soap box speech, but I am very passionate about this topic.

This site is detrimental to those with EDs. It's a pity some use it for a purpose other than what it was designed for.

adrian_indy

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

fbmandy55

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

But both are caused by mental illness. The same root of a problem. They don't have control either way..

rml_16

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

But both are caused by mental illness. The same root of a problem. They don't have control either way..

I am not aware of a mental illness that causes someone to rob a store. Can you please enlighten me?

And if someone who does rob a store is found to have a mental illness that would cause such a thing, usually that person is sent to treatment and not prison.

leslisa

I do not consider 1200 calories a day a "golden" number. Starvation mode is entered at different points for everyone. My doc knows my intake is 1000 cal a day and approves of it provided I receive enough of the nutrients I need and take my vitamins as he recommends. I'm only 5'1" and for me 1200 maintains, over 1200 adds and 1600 would make me into a hippo in a couple of months.

Here's my 2 cents on anorexia (and other eating disorders). I am a recovering anorexic. When I was full blown into the disease I ate 250 calories a day, not 1000. I ate 1 meal a day (maybe - some days nothing), not 6. I ran 5 - 6 miles minimum at least 6 days a week and worked out on top of that. I wore a size 12 in girls.

For those who think anorexia is all about self-image, it's not always about that, please stop assuming it is. And it is not limited to women either. Different people, men and women, have the disease and the causes range widely. For instance in my case it was all about control. When something went wrong in my life the one thing I could always control was how much *I* ate, how much *I* exercised, what *I* did. It wasn't "how do I look in the mirror".

Anorexia is hard as h*ll on your system. My first heart attack was at 35. ***So those of you who think your child is truly high risk might wish to consider professional assistance*** instead of just watching them because:

1. You are not with them all day, every day, nor should you be
2. It could be accompanied by bulimia (Mine was. When I did "have" to eat, I purged and that causes a whole host of probs in itself and is not uncommon).
3. Once those habits are established, it is very difficult to quit "for good". By the time I got help I had been doing it for so many years it was the norm for me (except during pregnancy and even then my diet was very regimented and I was exactly at the caloretic intake my OB recommended).

adrian_indy

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

But both are caused by mental illness. The same root of a problem. They don't have control either way..

What mental illness causes you to hit a person or rob a store. And we are sensitve to them. That is why some are ruled unfit to go to trial and remanded to a mental facility. I don't think anyone is saying you HAVE to be sensitive to a person with a malfunctioning brain, that's up to you. I personally like to make fun of people with heart defects.

IrishChik

However I don't know what the "Pro-Anorexia diet" referred to in the OP is ? and we've converged on a definition of starvation / deprivation as losing organ, bone or muscle mass.

I am not very far along in this post obviously, but this bothers me. Here is a person all starvation this, starvation that, please define.
But they you want to tell all of us you have no idea what pro anorexia is?

I agree with everyone else, I think you are here to just stir the pot honestly.

2April

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

But both are caused by mental illness. The same root of a problem. They don't have control either way..

They can be found not criminally responsible...
I don't think we can blame anyone for having an illness, but it is crazy to think that we can control someone's illness by our own actions.

BlackDhalia403

What I find funny is that you guys seriously don't know what anorexia is ! My best friends had anorexia , and had been sent to treatment centers. It's not a diet for them , it's there lifestyle . Of course my best friend is a model , she is like 6 foot tall and weighs 110 lbs or less . She eats around 500 calories a day , and tries to puke up any excess calories . She exercises in her alone time when no one is watching her . She hasn't been so severely under weight that you can see bones . She hasn't lost hair , and her skin is healthy after 3 or more years of this diet . She wants to be thin because it's a requirement for her job ; to look good . With that being said , no matter how much treatment she gets ... She will never change her habits unless she wants to . So you can talk about this being unhealthy , but they will keep doing what they have to do under their standards . By the way criminals don't have mental illnesses .

fbmandy55

I have a question?

Why is it that when someone has an ED on here, we have to be sensitive to them and feel sorry for them because they have a mental illness.....

But when someone with a mental illness say, robs a store or hits a woman, they are a criminal?

Double standard?

Because ED's are harming themself and criminals are harming other people?

But both are caused by mental illness. The same root of a problem. They don't have control either way..

I am not aware of a mental illness that causes someone to rob a store. Can you please enlighten me?

And if someone who does rob a store is found to have a mental illness that would cause such a thing, usually that person is sent to treatment and not prison.

I know someone who is schizophrenic and has commited robbery, not even taking cash from stores but random items.. He was taken to jail and made to live in a halfway house.. Most of the time he is a great man, loyal, loving husband and father but he has moments where he is not. I know so much of him as a good person that I can't even judge him for the things he has done when he was very sick and not being treated. Most people treat him as a criminal. He has a record and cannot find work... I feel like someone with an ED gets mostly sympathy. They are hurting everyone around them but they are sick just the same..

rml_16

What I find funny is that you guys seriously don't know what anorexia is ! My best friends had anorexia , and had been sent to treatment centers. It's not a diet for them , it's there lifestyle . Of course my best friend is a model , she is like 6 foot tall and weighs 110 lbs or less . She eats around 500 calories a day , and tries to puke up any excess calories . She exercises in her alone time when no one is watching her . She hasn't been so severely under weight that you can see bones . She hasn't lost hair , and her skin is healthy after 3 or more years of this diet . She wants to be thin because it's a requirement for her job ; to look good .

We know what anorexia is.

But thanks.