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For example, one website has a section entitled 'Tips and Tricks,' which is a long list of many unhealthy ways to stay thin. For example, "Since the body burns water all through the night, it's a good idea to drink a glass before going to bed and one when you rise in the morning. Drink one glass of water every hour. It will make you feel full. Devour anything that helps you lose weight, for example, cough drops, hoodia or fiber. Chose a thinspiration that has your body type." (http://pro-anorexia.webs.com/tipsandtricks.htm) The 'tips' listed here are only a few of many, but convey the extreme weight loss methods used by anorexia women, and how far they will go to achieve their perfect weight or thin body type. .
The majority of pro-ana websites display graphic photos of emaciated women, and extremely thin young girls, and even pictures of self -harm or cutting. The word 'thinspiration' is listed below many of the photographs and seem to offer support through these disturbing images of starving, frail female bodies, to help other 'pro-ana' women reach their end weight loss goals. These women are seeking help and emotional support from fellow 'pro-ana' women and girls, as one website, http://anorexic-circle.livejournal.com, is a live blog where young girls write about their struggles with loosing weight, and most say they want tips or 'just someone to talk to,' and every post includes their height, CW (current weight), GW (goal weight) and LW (lowest weight). .
The pro-ana sub-culture and websites may be an attempt to promote non-judgmental awareness for this disorder, and in my opinion does offer emotional support to many of the young women suffering from this disorder. However, the main, underlying message is one of major acceptance, most websites call anorexia and lifestyle or choice, and not a disease or psychological disorder. Furthermore, all argue that they are dedicated to beauty, with the want to be left alone, making it evident that this pro-ana movement and growing 'community' is more harmful then helpful.
