Anorexia is an eating disorder. Though it fits the definition of "lifestyle" (n. a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group), it is not something you choose to have. The only reason I don't call it a disease is because it's not something you can catch from anyone else.

Anorexia is not an ideal. It is not a religion or a cult.

Anorexia is pain. It is torture. It is not glamorous or fun or something for which to strive.

Anorexia is not something you can "learn." It comes from a deep-seated resentment of onself and/or one's body. These are not the same thing--your self and your body. Though your mind may tell you that your whole existence revolves around how you look and what you weigh, most of your identity comes from your internal perceptions of your life and you physical self.

Anorexia is not about looking good for boys. Don't patronize us by saying that guys don't like girls who are stick thin. It's not about that at all.

Anorexia is about seeking fulfillment through starvation. Whether you want control, or calm, or happiness, Ana tells you that the only way to find it is through losing weight. Eventually your world will dwindle down to this one absolute: thin = happy. Nothing else matters. Not your health, not your friends or family, not even your life. Anorexia is obsession in the most stripped-down sense of the word--a single minded pursuit of one object. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS! So telling us to think of our health / family / future... it won't work. I'm sorry.

Anorexia is deadly. But since nothing else matters except being thin (see above), the possibility that one could die from this gets pushed into the background. Some say that the "best anas never die," but others want to die from this. As a "martyr for Ana," or just an escape from the torture of living with her voice in your head every day.

Anorexia is not something that you control, no matter how much you may delude yourself into think that you do. It may give you a sense of control over your life, but try to eat a full-fat yogurt and you'll see who's really in control. This is why recovery is so hard. The disorder makes you feel as though you're taking charge of your body and your weight, but it is the disorder which has taken control of you.