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What is Pro-ana? The Truth and Horrors of Ana and Mia Disorders

Dreamer | Feb 15, 2010 | 3 comments

What is pro-ana? There are different interpretations of the term pro-ana, and yet, people use them interchangeably, without making distinctions between different websites. Anorexia and Bulimia are often referred to as “Ana” for Anorexia and “Mia” for Bulimia, even giving these disorders names does not cover up the very real horrors involved.

Horrors of Ana

Anorexia Nervosa

Starvation can damage vital organs such as the brain and heart. Heart disease is the most common cause of death associated with anorexia. The risk of heart problems increase if anorexia is compounded by bulimia.
The result of hormonal abnormalities is long-term, irregular or absent menstruation. This can occur early on in anorexia, even before severe weight loss. Over time, this may cause infertility.
Loss of bone minerals (osteopenia) and loss of bone density (osteoporosis) is a common result of low estrogen levels in women with anorexia. To protect itself, the body shifts into “slow gear.”
Breathing, pulse and blood pressure rates drop.
Thyroid function slows.
Nails and hair become brittle.
Skin gets dry, yellows and becomes covered with soft hair called lanugo.
Excessive thirst and urination may occur.
Anorexia contributes to constipation.
Reduced body fat leads to lowered body temperatures and an inability to withstand cold weather.
Mild anemia, swollen joints, reduced muscle mass, and light-headed ness also commonly occur in anorexic individuals.
In some patients, the brain shrinks, causing personality changes. Fortunately, this condition can be reversed when normal weight is re-established.
Scientists have found that many patients with anorexia also suffer from other psychiatric illnesses. While the majority have co-occurring clinical depression, others suffer from anxiety, personality or substance-abuse disorders, and many are at risk for suicide. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an illness characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors, can also accompany anorexia.
Individuals with anorexia are typically compliant in personality but may have sudden outbursts of hostility and anger or become socially withdrawn.

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Horrors of Mia

Bulimia Nervosa

Even those of normal weight, can severely damage their bodies by frequent binge eating and purging.
In rare instances, binge eating causes the stomach to rupture.
Purging may result in heart failure due to loss of vital minerals such as potassium.
The acid in vomit wears down the outer layer of the teeth.
Scarring occurs on the backs of hands when fingers are pushed down the throat to induce vomiting.
The esophagus becomes inflamed and glands near the cheeks become swollen.
It can lead to irregular menstrual periods.
Interest in sex may diminish.
Some individuals with bulimia struggle with addictions, including abuse of drugs and alcohol, and compulsive stealing.
Like individuals with anorexia, many people with bulimia suffer from clinical depression, anxiety, OCD and other psychiatric illnesses. These problems, combined with their impulsive tendencies, place these persons at increased risk for suicidal behavior.

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Tollie Schmidt is the founder of Tollie's Out of the Darkness Project a non-profit to empower teens struggling with body image issues. Tollie is also the CEO of Tollie International. Tollie is a International Speaker, Author, Actor, Producer, and uses his talents to pursue his companies endeavors while creating opportunities and dreams for others.