Thinspiration: starvation for perfection

omg.
I woulda never thought girls went in to have their vagina tinkered with like that!!
Besides....most doctors, after you give birth, stitch you up rather tight. [idunno I haven't had kids but from girls I do knw who have, they generally say everythings a bit tighter then it had been]

*shakes head* That's sad. A vagina is a vagina, it's not exactly meant to be altered. [not that anything else is but boobs are a bit more understandable]
 
Mad4Chillas said:
I guess all I have to say is--that having an eating disorder is an illness...

A lot of you are being very judgmental on something you don't know very much about, and honestly its a little offending. I still struggle with these symptoms everyday and I will Never be cured.

I would just be careful on what you guys are posting, I know everyone is trying to remain objective but you have to realize its an illness and these people have issues on grasping reality (thus their seemingly crazy ideals)and sometimes wanting to "shake them" and "force them to eat" are things that unless your a professional you probably shouldn't be saying because you don't realize the strong effect it can have on someone.

I am going to school for dietetics as well as minoring in psychology to help deal with people who have eating disorders, so I know alot of information that many people don't necessarily know abou these disorders--but please just be a little more careful about what you say, because there are people on this site that deal with EDs and Im sure they dont appreciate people posting things saying they are crazy and disgusting...etc


Just trying to make a point--no offense intended
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I understand how you feel hun

but even for those who are ill, it is very beatable.
forcing someone to eat has the opposite effect boy do I know that. I had dysmorphia, especially during my teen years and my mom had me on valium for a little while because I had anxiety attacks. Food was always a synonym of comfort until it began to hurt me and then it turned into binging and I felt so physically ill because of all the food I just had eaten that I did consider throwing up and did in a couple of occasions. It was awful but I didn't recognize it at the moment as dangerous and it took me a long way to realize that wasn't the right way to go.

to me the only thing that worked was a form of shock therapy. knowing that I was seriously damaging not only my body but my mind. I don't want it to sound harsh but sometimes softness and keeping a distance doesn't work, I am not saying we should insult but sometimes you need to hear the truth
and you and your loved ones get frustrated and just want to scream ''eat a hamburger!'' not because they are disrispectful or believe it is easy, but because they are concerned. it is also hard for those who love you who doesn't know how to work with an ED.
 
I totally agree with ur concern, while doing some research for one of my online projects on getting slim - i came across articles where the author was encouraging youngsters to become anorexic - HOW EVIL CAN PEOPLE BE? I believe that Google should ban such articles like it bans porn websites!
 
Stumbling across sites for thinspiration are a a bit scary. I have seen them when looking for forums about fitness, health and weight loss.

I felt sad for the girls and their stories. But I do believe it is an illness. There are a lot of sites on the net that I don't agree with, a lot of unhealthy practises that people engage in so we can be concerned, we can have opinions but we don't need to judge the people that have these conditions.

Sometimes it can be one way they can have control in their lives, like a comfort for them. Just as some people find comfort in food, some people find comfort without it.

Some of these girls have not been educated about nutrition and exercise, or have the right kind of support i place to guide them that little bit more, or quite possibly are so addicted to what they are doing cannot see the big picture.

There is an immense amount of pressure out there for women to look a certain way and unfortunately some people take extremes to be accepted into particular groups in the community. I feel so sad for them.

All we can do is try to educate and support people like this carefully and considerately.
 
shae said:
Stumbling across sites for thinspiration are a a bit scary. I have seen them when looking for forums about fitness, health and weight loss.

I felt sad for the girls and their stories. But I do believe it is an illness. There are a lot of sites on the net that I don't agree with, a lot of unhealthy practises that people engage in so we can be concerned, we can have opinions but we don't need to judge the people that have these conditions.

Sometimes it can be one way they can have control in their lives, like a comfort for them. Just as some people find comfort in food, some people find comfort without it.

Some of these girls have not been educated about nutrition and exercise, or have the right kind of support i place to guide them that little bit more, or quite possibly are so addicted to what they are doing cannot see the big picture.

There is an immense amount of pressure out there for women to look a certain way and unfortunately some people take extremes to be accepted into particular groups in the community. I feel so sad for them.

All we can do is try to educate and support people like this carefully and considerately.
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:iagree:

I agree with you completely, thank you for posting :)
 
^^; just noticing the debate over is 115 lbs 5"2 too low? well her bmi is healthy and actually in the middle of the range. Of course bmi is only an estimate but I doubt there's much to worry. I would also like to point out that on a short woman, 1-2 kg (overseas :p ) shows a lot more than on a taller person simply because well tall people have more body surface to add it on. A taller person with a few extra kg will seem leaner than a shorter one. ah well =) and looked at some of those websites per say, although I wanted to laugh, I still felt rather sad for them.
 
aprilhunny said:
The way I feel is that if you truly are anorexic/bulimic you won't need a site that gives you tips on how to do it. It's a mental disorder, reading a list of tips & tricks isn't going to make you anorexic. I don't think the should be shut down because of freedom of speech, but I think they're unnecessary.
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Agreed. An eating disorder is not something you catch or a fashion statement you "try on". It's a mental disorder.
 
stillwaters said:
Agreed. An eating disorder is not something you catch or a fashion statement you "try on". It's a mental disorder.
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Mental disorders can be caused by outside influences, other than "nature". Society, experiences, injuries, diseases, genetics, drugs, etc. All of those things can cause somebody to have a mental disorder.
 
stillwaters said:
Agreed. An eating disorder is not something you catch or a fashion statement you "try on". It's a mental disorder.
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I disagree some of the forums for EDs and website are meant to branch out to others who have the disorder in a need to gain some normalcy in their already effed up lives. Even tho its mental disorder people still need to know that there are others like them out there. The sites are not meant for tips or anything, alot of the forums actually prohibit other anas and mias to "give out" tips to people who are looking to lose weight. I will never think of it a a fashion statment and think its close minded for some people to think its a solution for weigh loss and something people can just snap out of--because its just not.
 
ChefChiTown said:
Mental disorders can be caused by outside influences, other than "nature". Society, experiences, injuries, diseases, genetics, drugs, etc. All of those things can cause somebody to have a mental disorder.
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Partially. Psychosocial and physiological stressors can interact with genetic vulnerability to alter brain chemistry and thus alter the individual's mental health.

It seems more of a predisposition in reaction to environmental stressors, rather than just environment alone. Many go on to lead healthy lives, despite their environment.

Mad4Chillas said:
The sites are not meant for tips or anything, alot of the forums actually prohibit other anas and mias to "give out" tips to people who are looking to lose weight.
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I stopped frequenting those sites years ago. The last I knew of the ones I went to, perpetuated thinspiration. There was no branching out for feelings of normalcy. I guess times have changed?
 
stillwaters said:
Partially. Psychosocial and physiological stressors can interact with genetic vulnerability to alter brain chemistry and thus alter the individual's mental health.

It seems more of a predisposition in reaction to environmental stressors, rather than just environment alone. Many go on to lead healthy lives, despite their environment.
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Many people have a predisposition to get cancer, but they never develop cancer. Why? Because, everything you do (your choices, your environment, your diet, your personality, etc) effects you, whether it's in a positive way or a negative way.

Some people have actual physical problems with their brain and the way it works, which makes it very, very hard to tame their resulting mental disorders. But, a lot of people's mental disorders are caused by their psychology (the way they think, the emotions they feel, the way they handle their emotions, etc)...those things can all be controlled.
 
ChefChiTown said:
Many people have a predisposition to get cancer, but they never develop cancer. Why? Because, everything you do (your choices, your environment, your diet, your personality, etc) effects you, whether it's in a positive way or a negative way.

Some people have actual physical problems with their brain and the way it works, which makes it very, very hard to tame their resulting mental disorders. But, a lot of people's mental disorders are caused by their psychology (the way they think, the emotions they feel, the way they handle their emotions, etc)...those things can all be controlled.
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Most of the time. Studies show these days that food additives, food coloring and raging food allergies are the cause for many mood disorders.

I suppose we could go on about this though, although, I do agree with you :D
 
These Thinspiration sites that I've seen make me feel ill. Reading these posts by these young girls about alternating between 100-800 calories, is horrifying.

But I think the most DISTURBING aspect is that, though I know this is so wrong, I'm envious in a way. Because they're starving themselves, pounds drop off faster then what's healthy, so while it may take me a few months to lose 10lbs, one of these girls could lose the same amount in a fifth of the time. Not only that, but the girls who are truly committed to this get to be thin, as I'd like to be, get the guy, get accepted by their peers, and don't have to be alone, like those who are overweight.

I GET that in the long run, they're only hurting themselves. I GET that many won't succeed and will just burn themselves out, and regain the weight. But I don't fully get why I feel this way.

This is really hard to phrase, honestly. I could go on all day about how anorexia is bad for you, as we all could, but it's much harder to reflect with yourself, and figure out why it bothers YOU, the individual, so much.
 
You asked what I think? Well, I was involved in these sites for years. I was a member of several of them. They are sad, yes. But when you are in the middle of it it's hard to see that what you are doing is even odd. It seems sooo....normal? It's your normal anyway. You can't think of anything else and so these sites give you a way to continue on in your obsessiveness. To be perfectly honest, a lot of these girls are very young. I don't believe 14 year old girls should have unlimited, unsupervised access to the internet. Not to say all the girls are young, I was not and I know many many of the women/men on these sites are over thirty (not usually on the sites that admit to be pro-ana). I guess I feel that these kinds of sites are a good reason to pay attention to what your children are doing on the computer.
 
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Wow. I didn't read all the posts here - but I'm quoting the ones that I did read which pretty much covered my point of view on this. I totally agree with what these two members here have said about this horrendous issue.

I knew a girl since I was in kindergarten - went through high school with her - and in high school she developed one of the most severe cases of anorexia that anyone in my states very good hospital system has ever dealt with at that time. It was horrid. I've never forgotten her warped view of herself and the world - nor the lectures the health teachers gave us trying to help us see what she was "seeing." Never forget it. It is an abomination that anyone ever develops such a warped view - but sadly, it happens, and it happens often.

My ex-b's ex-wife went from being an uber tall sexy curvy thin woman, to getting too far into fitness and losing all over her curves and turning into an uber-tall hard bodied boy essentially. He gets sick thinking of what she now turned herself into. She hopes to enter body competitions, but she looks like a boy. What a shame also. :( I always felt less than her in looks because she had it all - height and curves. Man o man. I don't envy her anymore at all - and we're the same age exactly.

So it isn't just young people. It isn't just girls. It isn't just a genetic mental illness - it is thrust upon people of any age. I get so angry and upset when I see people dissing themselves - even on here. I've seen some young folks on here post their pics - they look very slim and trim - and yet they say, "do I still look fat?" What the....???

*sigh* ranting. Sorry. I'm just ranting. This is a hot button topic for me. I know many recovering eating disorder people on another forum. It breaks my heart - this is a lifetime issue they will have to fight - it is like alcoholism - you're always an alcoholic even after you quit - and those with an eating disorder will have to be ever vigilant to stay "healthy" after they see the light.

I'll shut up now.


ChefChiTown said:
The reason that a lot of people have eating disorders in the first place is because of how society forces this unrealistic expectation of physical "attractiveness" onto the whole world. It's force fed down our throats and people actually start to convince themselves that that's how they are supposed to look. When, in all reality, everybody with a mind of their own knows that the majority of people don't look like that.

I know you have your point of view, having battled with an eating disorder yourself, but, from an outside perspective, our media and our society are the two main contributors to the problem.

Advertisements, TV shows, movies, video games, internet websites, magazine covers...the majority of them show nothing but "perfect" bodies, which does nothing brainwash people and make them think that they need to look like what they are seeing or else they aren't attractive. Then, they start eating like shit and starving themselves, which is the beginning of a major problem.

Seriously, look at how many pictures are edited and airbrushed in order to make people look "perfect". I guess it's ironic, because we're getting sold an image that doesn't even really exist in the first place, yet, a lot of people are buying into it.

I don't know...I have a huge dislike for society and how it fucking ruins people. This is just one of the many issues that I have with how our society works and how fucked up it is. Even if a million people tell a girl how beautiful she is, she's probably not going to listen. She's only going to pay attention to the magazine covers and TV ads that are telling her (through images) that she's not pretty enough.

It's all bullshit and I wish people would wake up the fuck up and do something about it.

/RANT
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Amiba said:


disclaimer: this is merely my point of view on these sites. I respect everyone's intake on it.


More than once I´ve encountered these websites and it aggravates me.
exactly what young girls need: validating their eating disorders through other girls with eating disorders.

websites, youtube videos.. all focused on the importance of achieving an extremely thin figure no matter the cost.

what really triggered it for me today was this image:



no guy wants a fat girlfriend.
starve yourself

really?
let me check on that -phone rings- wait, that IS my boyfriend
and.. he wants me.
also he says that he doesn't want me looking like a 12 year old boy
no adult woman should.

I am in the same health quest as many people in here.. I do want to lose some weight, but places like that are taking it too far. balance is key and there's nothing balanced about those sites.

most of the thinspiration, pro ana and pro mia sites are full of pictures of extremely thin models and celebrities- some of them who once used to look healthy and beautiful.
people like drew Barrymore, Lindsay lohan, jennifer connely. to me they look hotter before. first of all they never were fat to begin with, not by any chance. some of them not even chubby

in these places..
they give each other tips on how to avoid food and resist the hunger. and even how to successfully ''throw up'' what meals to, and how to hide food
the affection and validation these girls crave, the need of guidance. it is jaw dropping that more and more girls are falling to it.



what do you think about thinspiration, pro ana and pro mia sites?
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Wild Vulpix said:
But I think the most DISTURBING aspect is that, though I know this is so wrong, I'm envious in a way. Because they're starving themselves, pounds drop off faster then what's healthy, so while it may take me a few months to lose 10lbs, one of these girls could lose the same amount in a fifth of the time. Not only that, but the girls who are truly committed to this get to be thin, as I'd like to be, get the guy, get accepted by their peers, and don't have to be alone, like those who are overweight.

I GET that in the long run, they're only hurting themselves. I GET that many won't succeed and will just burn themselves out, and regain the weight. But I don't fully get why I feel this way.
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I actually think that's a pretty normal reaction, it's probably what motivates most of the people on that site. When people really want something they will happily look past the bad and glorify the good.
 
Wild Vulpix said:
But I think the most DISTURBING aspect is that, though I know this is so wrong, I'm envious in a way. Because they're starving themselves, pounds drop off faster then what's healthy, so while it may take me a few months to lose 10lbs, one of these girls could lose the same amount in a fifth of the time.
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I know how you feel hun, because I've felt that way.
those extreme diets are a quick fix, and they work at the moment. knowing that you choose health over losing weight/ and your water and muscle, is tougher than it looks because we have a weight loss overload- correct and incorrect info everywhere.
it can make you feel envious if what takes you months can take someone a couple of weeks. I always feel jealous of people with high metabolism who say ''they can eat everything and not gain weight'' gah. I usually feel bad about it but it is totally normal!
 
A very low calorie diet (800 calories or less) will put you into starvation mode, fat is preserved and muscle ends up being most of what is the first to go.

Muscle weighs more than fat, so you will see a definite change in what the scale says. Muscle also boosts your metabolic rate, so when you lose muscle, your metabolism is going to slow down.

I know this all too well. My mom raised me as a single mom. Sometimes she would move into our aunt's house when she couldn't live on her own. I, of course, hated it. I felt like I was being starved, because my aunt wouldn't let me eat. I was a fat guy, she was a thin woman, yet she expected me to eat as much as she did. Note that I was not exactly a ravenous eater, it was the content of what I ate that ended up keeping me fat. I ended up weighing less, but looking worse.
 
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