Pro-Ana is short for content and groups that present anorexia not as an illness but as a lifestyle or an achievement and encourage each other to keep starving. Such content spreads through changing terms and closed groups on social networks, gets removed or covered with help notices by the platforms, and is considered dangerous because it plays down a life-threatening illness and keeps those affected from seeking help.

As a model, what matters is that this content has nothing to do with the reality of the industry, because professional agencies and clients do not ask you to go without food but look for stamina, a disciplined way of working and a healthy presence that carries on camera. As an influencer, you should know that sharing, linking or imitating such content breaks the guidelines of every major platform and can lead to anything from reduced reach to the suspension of your account. If you come across it, report it through the platform's reporting function. You can also get free, confidential advice on the German helpline of the Federal Institute for Public Health at 0221 892031, available Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

See also: Anorexia, SkinnyTok, Anorexia athletica.