I am a cat lover and an academic who is recovering from a very long history of anorexia nervosa, dating back to 1977. I am not 'pro-anorexia'; I view the 'pro-ana/mia' culture as pointless, ridiculous and dangerous. No-one chooses to develop anorexia nervosa; it is a mental illness, not a lifestyle choice. There are plenty of good internet recovery sites and support groups for those who truly struggle with eating disorders. The internet pro-anorexia culture fulfils no useful role.

Anorexia nervosa kills or disables a person both physically and mentally. I intend to expand on some of the physical effects of eating disorders and associated 'compensatory behaviours' in my videos, communicating as both a recovering anorexic and a university lecturer/published researcher with 4 degrees in the Biomedical Sciences, including a PhD.

FOR ALL THE 'PRO-ANAS': A recent research study suggests that statistically, the life expectancy of someone with anorexia nervosa can be reduced by up to 25 years. There is also increasing research evidence to suggest that anorexia nervosa is 60-80% genetic. It is likely that people with a susceptible genetic constitution will develop anorexia if they are exposed to environmental stressors or some sort of trauma.




I do not believe that anorexia nervosa is caused/created by the media, or by cultural pressure to be thin. Neither is it about vanity. We're nearly all exposed to this 'cultural pressure', but few people develop anorexia nervosa. This illness is sometimes a response to trauma of some sort, but is always about fighting inner demons and struggles with identity/sense of self. I believe that whatever an anorexic's weight, size, or shape, he/she will still struggle to accept him/herself until the inner turmoil is resolved. Eating disorders are complex and layered, and everyone has their personal, individual reasons for becoming and staying anorexic. In most cases, anorexia nervosa is about CONTROL - and fear of losing it. This illness is sustained by starvation and low weight as well as psychological factors.

Although I do not believe that anorexia nervosa is about vanity I do not think that our sad, consumer-driven culture assists individuals trying to recover from the illness. I do not comprehend the idea of improving bodily appearance as a means to achieving happiness or confidence. What has happened to friendship, community, spirituality and creativity as means to contentment? There's much misunderstanding about anorexia nervosa in the media and amongst the general public. I didn't 'choose' this illness; it developed under unfortunate circumstances and I'm fighting it like a warrior!

I place a new featured video on my channel regularly to suit my mood.....