Studies Show Genetic Link to Anorexia

Recent studies have shown that Anorexia Nervosa may be more than just an illness. Scientists have found a possible genetic link with the eating disorder.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill estimate approximately 56 percent of the responsibility for developing anorexia may be determined by genetics.

Another study, which involved Swedish twins, suggests that anorexia nervosa may be inherited, and linked with anxiety and/or depression in early stages of life, and because this disorder is not of choice researchers believe a genetic predisposition may be triggered by environmental factors. Details of this study were published in the published in the March issue of the U.S. journal, Archives of General Psychiatry .

Anorexia has highest death rate of any mental illness, and new studies may influence identification and treatment of the disorder.

skin + bones = hollywood GLAMOUR

Thin is in! Of course. A size zero always makes BCBG Max Azria, Louis Vuitton and Chloé look a lot better. Don't you think?

The idea of sexy is constantly changing for example in the 1800s, Romanticism idled soft, voluptuous curves. In the 1900s, the hourglass figure was the mainstay of the female figure. In the 1920s, flappers were it, and in the 1940s and 50s, the sexy look was rosy-cheeked Monroe’s with natural heavy curves. By the 60s, the notion of good looks was an ultra-thin shape with pasty twigged frame. The 1980s and 90s proved to be more wholesome with the "lets get physical" mentality of exercise and diet.

However, today in the 2000s, emaciation is the new beauty. Celebrity Living in a recent edition revealed Hollywood’s shrinking, “pin-thin” population. The center pages columned some of the most well known stars pictures, height and weight. It literally resembled a line-up of starved Ethiopians in fashionable couture.

Some of the most shocking was Nicole Richie (above), 24, who is 5’2” and an estimated 85 pounds. Lindsay Lohan, 19, is 5’5” and weighs 109 pounds. Lastly, Mischa Barton, 20, stands 5’9” at 117 pounds.

Below is an estimated average weight chart based on height and age:

Height	17-20 Yrs.	21-27 Yrs.	28-39 Yrs.	40+ Yrs.
4'10"	104	107	110	113
4'11"	107	110	114	117
5'00"	111	114	117	121
5'01"	115	118	121	125
5'02"	119	123	126	130
5'03"	123	126	130	134
5'04"	126	130	134	138
5'05"	130	134	138	142
5'06"	135	139	143	147
5'07"	139	143	148	151
5'08"	143	147	151	156
5'09"	147	151	155	160
5'10"	151	156	160	165

Winter Weight on Spring Break

Students of all kind from all over the country flock to the beaches and lakes during spring break to sever from textbooks and have some well-deserved fun in the sun. Except many young adults are more stressed out over shedding their extra winter pounds, than they are about thier midterms before break. Those treating eating disorders say that this time of year is most trying for many patients.

"This is a trigger time for youth to start to obsess about weight and body image," said Margo Maine in The New York Times. Dr. Maine is a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. She said she tends to see an increase in weight anxiety every year among her younger patients before spring break. "By the beginning of February people are starting to talk about their bodies and getting ready for spring break. Even girls who are simply around that talk can't get away from it."

The dream of having the perfect "bikini-ready" body on a deadline is an intoxicating incentive, some people will basically starve themselves. And in a school setting, where tightly knit groups of young women are all vacationing together, diets easily become competitive or, as Dr. Maine put it, contagious.

Orgs Fighting the Pro-Ana Nation

I recently came across this website titled: Pro-Ana Nation. It’s basically the mecca hub for the entire Pro-Ana movement. Vows to Ana and Mia (Mia is the Bulimic counterpart), diets, tips, tricks and thinspiration are all available and easily navigated. For example, a Pro-Ana tip, if you are hungry paint your nails. By the time your nails are dry the cravings should have past, or if you have hunger pains, curl up into fetal position and take a nap. Pro-Ana Nation has even complied a list with more than one hundred tips to choose from.

This pro-ana lifestyle is what organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) are working against. Many, especially on college campuses, have heard of some type of Body Awareness Week, which are usually sponsored by NEDA. One of the advertisments from last year's campaign can be viewed using the following link "Get Real About Eating Disorders".

These awareness weeks hope to create awareness in local communities, but one week can not possibly compare to fifty-two, web sites like Pro-Ana Nation are accessible 24/7. But just because these websites may be disturbing to some, it is completely legal and definitely recieves complete protection for publication under the First Amendment.

So organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association have stated its position on the pro-ana issue are actively implementing plans to counteract these influencial sites. Although the exact numbers of people who access Pro-Ana websites for personal use unknown, the national statistics definitely refelect cause for concern.

According to the NEDA website, more than 11 million Americans are diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia, and approximately 25 million more are struggling with a binge eating disorder. These implemented anti-ana plans are strategic communication methods to bring awareness to these millions of Americans as well as thier friends and family.

Hello & Welcome!

Hello Friends,

I want to welcome you to Pro-Anabasis: Moving Forward, this is my blog dealing with Pro-Ana issues in our society today.

Main Entry: anab·a·sis
Pronunciation: &-'na-b&-s&s
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek, inland march, from anabainein to go up or inland, from ana- + bainein to go -- more at COME
1 : a going or marching up : ADVANCE; especially : a military advance

-Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

As you can see, the word "anabasis" means moving forward and in this case its moving forward as a positive and neutral medium for friends and family of Pro-Ana movement, as well as, those who seek/bring helpful relevant information for and about the progression towards positive lifestyles.

Pro-Anabasis is not anti-ana; therefore, it does not tolerate hateful speech. Likewise, pro-ana tips and advice exchange is not allowable. As mentioned before, it simply is a neutral playfield for exchange of information and inspiration.

Thanks and once again, welcome!!