Why is this never mentioned when it comes to anorexia?

They are addressed. Therapists do know about this, it is what they’re working with after all. There’s plenty of proactive movements against the idealizing of the stick figure. Not having heard about it, does not mean it does not exist. Personally I think it is disgusting to promote something you know is dangerous. It seems to be unique among the eating disordered group. It doesnt happen with other disorders or with most people who self harm.

Actually, the most recent research shows that few girls with severe or mild anorexia visit pro-ana sites. I think it was less than ten percent. (And they do follow up to ensure that the girls aren’t lying) Personally, when I suffered through anorexia, I despised the pro-ana sites. To me they were looking for attention.

For the most part, people who are pro-ana don’t seek help or don’t actually express to their family or therapist just how horribly out of hand their eating disorder has become. They want to be beautiful and believe that it’s what they have to do to become or stay beautiful, so they don’t want someone to take that away from them.

It’s heartbreaking to see or hear about, since so many people die from such a lifestyle. I only hope that more and more of them reach out for help.