pro-ana

adjective

1. of or relating to the belief that anorexia is a viable lifestyle choice rather than a disorder

adjective

1. an internet-based community advocating this view

Word History and Origins

Origin of pro-ana¹

C21: from pro- + an ( orexi ) a

Example Sentences

Tom Quinn, director of external affairs for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, said: “So-called ‘pro-ana’ or ‘pro-mia’ content can be very attractive to people affected by eating disorders and has the potential to be devastating.”

From The Guardian

He said most "pro-ana" and "pro-mia" content was posted by people who were themselves suffering from an eating disorder, and was not deliberately malicious.

From BBC

"Pro-ana" is a term used to describe content that promotes dangerous behaviours and mindsets related to the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, and "pro-mia" promotes bulimia.

From BBC

“So-called pro-ana and pro-mia content is widespread on social media and can be very harmful for people suffering from an eating disorder,” he said.

From The Guardian

“There was this thing – like a secret sign to other girls that you were part of the pro-ana movement – a red bracelet with a butterfly on it. I found the bracelet the other day at my nan’s house.”

From The Guardian