thinspiration (NOT pro-ed, just a discussion)

What does everyone think about it? Do you think that for people who are overweight trying to lose weight its helpful? Do you think its bad all the way around? What about reverse thinspo?

Just wondering. I haven't seen this discussion here yet so I figured I'd ask.

I think my personal biggest problem with thinspiration is that it *IS* connected with the Pro-ED community.

Words like "Nothing Tastes as Good as Thin Feels" starts sounding wrong when you know it's coming from a waif-like person trying to reach an unhealthy weight...

For some people who are really trying to get to a healthy weight and are having a hard time getting motivated, thinspo can be helpful.

But, in my eyes, looking to other people's bodies for inspiration to create our own healthy lives is unhealthy. I don't think people need to look at other bodies and compare to themselves. It seems like a way for people to guilt themselves into their diets and exercise, because they don't look like these thinspo girls.

And the pro-ana community is the big endorser for thinspo, which makes it even more unreasonable.

My advice would be to stop looking at other girls and just feel good about yourself. *not directed to you- but just girls in general.

Posting so hkkellick isn't the only one without an avatar of a belly photo

Original Post by spirochete:

Posting so hkkellick isn't the only one without an avatar of a belly photo

 

 

I can't comment because I have no idea what thinspiration is?

Andy, look it up. But NOT an image lookup. Just.. a link lookup. Google it or something. AND DON'T CLICK any of the obviously pro-ED links. Trust me.

I think it's really unhealthy. I used to do this. I would look at pictures in magazines and say, "I want to look like her". The only problem is that most of the women I wanted to look like were tall and very slim. I am short, I have boobs, a butt, and hips. I would get depressed because after all of my hard work I still wasn't starting to look like these women.

After I finally accepted that I will never look like a run way model, I have never felt happier. I am now in this for the health benefits, and weight loss is just a bonus. I actually like my body now. Kankan213 has very good advice. Start accepting who you are and you'll be much happier.

Thanks HK.....looked it up in wikipedia.....I wouldn't be into it nor would I advise anyone to, it's planting the seed of self abuse (starvation).....I personally think it is very bad/dangerous and would easily target those who are already vulnerable.

If you actually check this poor girl's history, bio, posted threads, et al, she is already there-'self abuse, starvation', etc.. 

Please get yourself some professional help swimchick.

Original Post by drcoffee:

If you actually check this poor girl's history, bio, posted threads, et al, she is already there-'self abuse, starvation', etc.. 

Please get yourself some professional help swimchick.

  This is a DISCUSSION. It has nothing to do with me. That was uncalled for. And I am getting professional help. so please lay off. I'm so sick of people telling me these things. Edit: And if this sounds mean i'm sorry; I just get a little annoyed sometimes. I'm not angry or anything, thank you for your concern and all.

ANYWAYS. I think that thinspiration *can* be a helpful thing, but it depends on what KIND of thinspo. Like, if they're showing healthy toned models instead of emmaciated, kiera Knightly type models, I'm all for it as long as it isn't an obsession. As far as reverse thinspo goes, I'm not so sure. its very effective to an anorexic but I just think there is something wrong with looking at other peoples' bodies in disgust, because they could be really nice people.

Thats my opinion.

I would argue, though, that most of the 'thinspiration' ISN'T healthy toned models.

Maybe in an alternate universe where it WAS, it could be helpful. But since it's really connected with the Pro-ED movement and tends to show way-too-thin girls, it really isn't helpful at all. It's hurtful and offers the wrong goal to aim at.

I think the only type of thinspo or reverse thinspo I would feel comfortable with is pictures of myself.  Pictures of myself when I was at a healthier size looking beautiful as inspiration.  Pictures of myself when I was at my largest as discouragement from getting that big again.

Using pictures of other people (a) may be setting a standard you can never reach and (b) seems cruel and in poor taste when it comes to reverse thinspo.

Original Post by anndjoe:

Thanks HK.....looked it up in wikipedia.....I wouldn't be into it nor would I advise anyone to, it's planting the seed of self abuse (starvation).....I personally think it is very bad/dangerous and would easily target those who are already vulnerable.

I just learned a new term from that article:

Wannarexia, or anorexic yearning,[1] is a label applied to someone who claims to have anorexia nervosa, or wishes they did.[2] These individuals are also called wannarexic[3] “wanna-be ana”[4] or "anorexic wannabe".[5] The neologism wannarexia is a portmanteau of the latter two terms. It may be used as a pejorative term.[6]

I just learned a new term from that article:

Wannarexia, or anorexic yearning,[1] is a label applied to someone who claims to have anorexia nervosa, or wishes they did.[2] These individuals are also called wannarexic[3] “wanna-be ana”[4] or "anorexic wannabe".[5] The neologism wannarexia is a portmanteau of the latter two terms. It may be used as a pejorative term.[6]

 I've heard of that. And personally i think anyone who is 'pro-ana' doesn't even have anorexia nervosa at all. Because if they did, they wouldn't even think they were skinny enough to be considered a victim of the disease.

I've also heard of 'fatorexics,' or people at or above a normal weight who are using anorexic tendancies to lose weight. And apparently these 'pro-ana' people despise people like this. Its all just twisted.

I think it is bad, especially for people who have bodies that can never be "thin" in the conventional USA sense.  No, it is not helpful for people who are overweight.  It is self-destructive.  Yes, it is bad "all the way around."  Reverse thinspo sucks.  

I like to use healthspiration! because I dont want to be JUST thin.

I want to be healthy!!!

Like these:

http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/wp-co ntent/2007/09/jessica_biel_bikini_ass_big.jpg

http://www.dianachaloux.com/js800_World_Gym_M arch_4_2006_john_lathrop_103.jpg

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/02_02/m candrew1602KPIX_468x681.jpg

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01/Z etajonesDM0209_468x908.jpg

To me, thinspiration isn't about being healthy. It's about being THIN, skinny, the ideal skin and bones. There's nothing in there about being healthy. It's THINspiration, not Healthspiration.

honestly, i see nothing wrong with it. i move every few months and am super cheap, so my wall decorations are usually made up of collages of my favorite magazine ads and editorial spreads. having this pictures in my living room (visible from the kitchen) has definitely made me second guess some of the unhealthy eating choices i may have made.

just because it's a technique that ed supporters support doesn't make it overall bad.

What's with the half naked avatars in this thread

Original Post by spirochete:

What's with the half naked avatars in this thread

to go along with the trend of the thread, it's thinspiring to look at all the work i have left every time i post.

Original Post by spirochete:

What's with the half naked avatars in this thread

 In my case its to show off the muscle i worked hard to get.

*Throws in a naked avatar just to spice things up*