If you're searching for information on the internet about eating disorders, you're bound to come across 2 girls' names, Ana and Mia.

I've seen it phrased, "My Life With Ana," "Me and Mia," "PRO-Ana," and sadly, "Mia hates You." No, these aren't real girls' names. Ana is short for Anorexia and Mia is short for Bulimia. These nicknames are a way to personify [1] eating disorders, and to make it easier for people to talk openly about them.

Since it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week [1], I thought you should know that there are so many "PRO-Ana" videos out there that sadly promote eating disorders. I found one video of a girl who was sick of it. She recovered from eating disorders herself, and made this video to reveal the true picture of what it means to go through it.

I have a few more things to say on this subject, so

Anorexia and Bulimia are not only about food. Eating disorders become a mechanism to cope with serious emotional problems. They are a way to gain control over your life. People with eating disorders suffer through a constant battle with self-hatred and obsess about food, calories, grams of fat, and their weight.

Their lives become about dieting, binging, purging, and refraining from food all together. It's kind of like a self-punishment for not being perfect.

Fit's Tips: If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, there are many people and treatment centers available who want to help. Avalon Hills [2] is located in Utah, Fairwinds [3] in Florida, Monte Nido [4] in California, and Renfrew [5] in Pennsylvania. They all offer counseling programs to help people heal their hearts and change their lives.

There are also some great PR0-RECOVERY sites out there. Check out Something Fishy [5], and the National Eating Disorder Association [6], they are both excellent resources.