Wannarexia

Background
Wannarexia, or anorexic yearning, is a label applied to someone who claims to have anorexia nervosa, or wishes they did. These individuals are also called wannarexic “wanna-be ana” or "anorexic wannabe". The neologism wannarexia is a portmanteau of the latter two terms. The condition is a cultural phenomenon, not a diagnosis.

Some people fitting this description may also be diagnosed with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Wannarexia is most common in teenage girls who want to be popular. Wannarexia is likely caused by a combination of cultural and media influences.

Author and Personal Performance Coach Susan Kano has written, "Most young women have "anorexic thoughts" and attitudes, and there are no diagnostic criteria for wannarexia. The distinction between anorexia and wannarexia is that anorexics aren't satisfied by their weight loss, while wannarexics are more likely to derive pleasure from weight loss. Many people who actually suffer from the eating disorder anorexia are angry, offended, or frustrated about wannarexia.

Although wannarexics may be inspired or motivated by the pro-anorexia, or pro-ana, community that promotes or supports anorexia as a lifestyle choice rather than an eating disorder, they are not welcome in this subculture. Participants in pro-ana web forums only want to associate with "real anorexics" and will shun wannarexics who only diet occasionally, and are not dedicated to the lifestyle full-time. In this context, wannarexic is a pejorative term.