Article about pro-anorexia and pro-bulemia websites that sell merchandise to foster solidarity among people with eating disorders.
Many of the homepages and forums have been disabled but a plethora of sites can still be easily found. Anorexics can now go online and for between $US3 ($4.30) and $US25 buy a red-beaded "ana" bracelet – a symbol of solidarity that identifies them to the rest of the community. The bracelets are designed to help anorexics resist their hunger by being worn on the hand used to eat with.
Red bracelets signify anorexia and blue "mia" bracelets represent bulimia. Green symbolises recovery. Health professionals believe these sites can influence their anorexic patients, including those who end up in hospital with life-threatening conditions.
(Here's a site that sells the stuff)
