Dying to be Thin

      Identity is one of the most important things to a teenager, whether that be having their own identity or more importantly, simply being able to identify with others. But what happens when identifying with others turns into something that could slowly kill them from the inside out?

      Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia websites just might be one of the most disturbing things someone can find on the internet. Pro-Ana websites are created by real people with the disease anorexia nervosa, and Pro-Mia websites are created by people with bulimia nervosa. They support others in the endeavors to be thin in this extreme manner by giving tips, support, pictures, and real life chat/forum support. Just looking through these websites could shock anyone.

      The worst part though? After looking through these websites, I can almost guarantee that you'll probably feel a little down about yourself. I mean, how could you not with everything they're throwing in your face. One website has a Q&A forum where people ask questions such as "I want to become ana, but im worried about death and hair loss.. tips?" to which her response was "WHAAAAT ?! hahaha. sorry is that a joke?" It's these kind of remarks that dismiss the seriousness of these diseases, and potentially make the disease worse for these people who really just need help. Other websites go on to give their top ten tips to losing weight such as these list:

"1. Negative Calorie Foods are your new bestie (google it now)

2. Drink tons of ice cold water.  Ice cold anything is good.  Cold water raises metabolism and burns calories. Also, when you are thirsty, you may confuse hunger for thirst. 

3. Take Caffeine pill or drink something low calorie and caffeinated.  Not only is caffeine great for energy but it is also a natural diuretic so no need for water pills.

4. Exercise often.  If you can’t exercise often try clenching your butt cheeks.  The use of the gluts cause tons of calorie burn and it is easy to do often.

5. Use supplements like Ephedrine or Clenbuterol.  Both raise your body temperature helping you burn calories by doing nothing.

6. Count all calories, even negative calories because they add up.

7. Sleep as much as you can.  It is known that people who get at least 8 hours of sleep a night are 85% less hungry than the counterparts who get less sleep.

8. Eat slow

9. Cut down on sodium.  Try to never add salt to you foods.  Sodium will make you retain water.

10. Always fidget.  Movement!  Any calorie burning is better than none."

 The internet may be a blessing to humanity, but there's two sides to every story.