Marieclairvoyant

There’s no escaping the Pro-ana phenomenon. If you’re an avid Kate Moss fan- like myself- you might recall her ever controversial mission statement (which she blurted out in an interview with Womens Wear Daily last year): “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels”.

And now, in a time where young women (and men) are starving themselves for the sake of beauty, Urban Outfitters releases a t-shirt range promoting anorexia. The “Eat Less” tee has caused quite an uproar: One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush vented her frustration on her blog saying: “To promote starvation? To promote anorexia, which leads to heart disease, bone density loss, and a slew of other health problems, not least of all psychological issues that NEVER go away? Shame on you. I will no longer be shopping at your stores. And I will encourage the tens of thousands of female supporters I have to do the same.” After the backlash, Urban Outfitters have pulled the item from their online store but, unfortunately, the tee remains to be seen on shelves.

Pro-ana, incase you’re out of the loop, refers to the promotion of anorexia nervosa as a lifestyle choice rather than an eating disorder and red bracelets are popularly worn, both as a discreet way for anorexics to socially identify and as a tangible reminder to avoid eating. Frightening isn’t it?

Jeanne Mackenzie