Wannarexia: When Death Becomes Trendy

Posted August 8, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Fitness, Her Health, Body Image, Eating Disorders, Her Nutrition, Diet Myths, Healthy Eating, Her News, Special Features

The evils of anorexia are constantly described, in vivid, sometimes painful detail, on television talk shows and magazine profiles with what feels like constant playback. By now, we all know the symptoms: a refusal to eat or to acknowledge an unhealthy weight, combined with physical problems like heart palpitations, hair loss, and amenorrhea. It sounds like a nightmare – but for many young women, anorexia has become a hot new trend, so common that medical experts have coined a new name, ‘wannarexia,’ to describe the dangerous fad.

While there is a fine line between wannarexia and the development of a fully raging eating disorder, the two can still be distinguished from one another. For wannarexics, the desire to be seen as an anorexic doesn’t translate into life threatening anorexic behaviors – like starvation dieting, overexercise, or the loss of significant body mass. In fact, most wannarexics maintain a normal body weight, and unlike anorexics who are typically obsessively ashamed of their appearance, wannarexics have a more realistic (and even positive) body image.

Why wannarexia? Most research to date points to the powerful influence of media and celebrity culture – with a focus on pin-thin women and well-sculpted men – as the main culprit in the desire for a disorder. Usually, sufferers want to “fit in” with a society that celebrates anyone who eschews eating and fits into a size zero. Somehow, the teenage mind transforms this dangerous ideology into the quest for a troubled relationship with food, even if they don’t actually develop a life-threatening problem.

But wannarexia is no casual phenomenon or passing phase for many teenage girls. Much like experimentation with drugs, it often leads to serious addiction; teenage flirtation with fasting and food fixation easily transforms into an obsessive relationship with eating and weight loss. Sadly, many women who start out wishing to be anorexic join the thousands who are diagnosed with the illness each year. What may start out as a case of anorexia envy and experimental dieting can spiral out of control all-too-easily, as many recovering anorexics can likely attest.

But how can concerned family and friends distinguish wannarexia from its life-threatening counterpart, and how can both be prevented in the first place? Most experts suggest taking a look at the symptoms – an anorexic woman will exhibit a loss of more than 15% of her body weight, along with a refusal to acknowledge that she is underweight, as well as engage in an ongoing cycle of starvation leading to more serious physical problems. Some of the signs of anorexia are obvious – calorie counting, obsessive exercise, starvation, and fixation with body image. Others, like laxative use and amenorrhea, can be hard to pin down.

If you notice anorexic behaviors, reach out – but with the right approach. Be gentle, listen, and don’t threaten to take measures that might seem extreme (like hospitalization). Furthermore, be patient and don’t overstep the boundaries of your relationship. If someone asks you not to discuss their problems – don’t. But do make sure that they seek professional help.

When it comes to spotting wannarexic behavior, and dealing with it appropriately, signs are clearer than when dealing with the inner demon that anorexia can become. If a friend or family member talks about starving themselves and avoids foods in public, approach them – even if they still maintain a normal weight, their disordered behavior can quickly devolve into much more serious problems. By intervening early on, you can encourage a loved one to seek counseling before life threatening behavior takes over.

Whether dealing with anorexia or someone who wishes they suffered from the disease, caring intervention is key in preventing problems from getting out of control. Trustworthy online resources are available for those struggling with food and eating, and their loved ones.

Resources: www.something-fishy.net www.mirror-mirror.org www.edeo.org

Source: Bauman, Valerie.  “‘Wannarexic’ girls yearn for eating disorders.” USA TODAY. August 4, 2007.

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