Shoutbox

hi,

i've just stumbled upon this site. i think you guys have some misconceptions about what anorexia is.

firstly, to be medically classified as anorexic... you do have to have a bmi of less than 17.5, and there are other criterion; for example your periods stop etc. someone who doesn't show all these symptoms would not be medically classed as anorexic, they'd be EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified).

Anorexia doesn't really affect fat people. 9 times out of 10, they've searched the web for diets etc, joined a pro-ana site (which promotes an anorexic lifestyle), stopped eating for a week.. and call themselves anorexic. it's most likely that these people are bulimic. this doesn't mean that they make themselves sick, but will binge eat and then over compensate by restricting food. anyone who is anorexic doesn't binge eat and struggle to stay away from food, they struggle to eat food. it's a fear of food, and a fear of eating. someone suffering from anorexia would most likely have to force themselves to eat, rather than use will power to stay away from food. a lot of times on pro-ana sites you'll hear girls saying things like 'i totally ruined my fast today. i ate 2 slices of chocolate cake' etc... these girls aren't anorexic.

anorexia doesn't come from deep down insecurities. and it's not true that people struggling with anorexia have no contentment in their lives. it's a desire for perfection.