A look at Pro Ana avatars

MamaVISION has this enlightening post, "A Trip Down Avatar Lane" where she has collected avatars used by some Pro Anas. If you don't know, Pro Ana means "Pro Anorexia." It is scary how many Pro Ana sites, forums, and blogs exist. The girls come to these places for "thinspiration" and support from other's who are like minded.

These avatars that MamaVISION highlights are a glimpse as to what is commonly seen in the Pro Ana arenas, the obsession to be the thin, the competition to be thin, the comparison to media images, and the dire need to be pretty so that one can be loved, admired, and worshiped.

Many Pro Anas will pick avatar pictures that reflect their goal "look." Celebrities I have commonly seen used as Pro Ana avatars include Nicole Richie, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Kate Moss. In fact, this particular picture of Kate is very popular, and it's obvious why. Again, when the fashion industry says that it has no influence when it comes to eating disorders or how young women feel about themselves and their body, I say take a good look at what's around you.