Bracelets marketed to teens symbolize eating disorders

Parents can look for warning signs of anorexia or bulimia

Kim Holcomb
12 News for the Arizona Republic
Feb. 18, 2005 02:57 PM

Local mother recovering from anorexia offers other parents insight into the illness

Health experts worry a new fashion trend may encourage teens to engage in destructive behavior. Beaded bracelets sold on the internet secretly symbolize potentially deadly disorders. Red bracelets represent anorexia, purple bracelets represent bulimia, and black and blue bracelets represent self-mutilation.

The bracelets are marketed as symbols of solidarity, but some eating disorder specialists say they glamorize dangerous illnesses. Jeanne Phillips, a certified professional coach and eating disorder expert, says anorexia and bulimia victims often view their behavior as an achievement. They identify with the illness, and believe it's the one thing they can control. Phillips says, if a teenager wears a colored bracelet to signify there's a problem, it can be a positive step. But other teens may wear the bracelets as secret badges of honor, representing an illness they don't want to treat.

While eating disorders are often difficult to detect, experts say parents can look for certain warning signs. Mia Elwood, a licensed clinical social worker, says a child may have a problem with anorexia or bulimia if you notice he/she:

·  Gets on the scale more than once a day

·  Exercises alone, for long periods

·  Contemplates calories or fat grams in food, before taking a bite

·  Looks different in normal clothing (jeans or shirts appear baggy or loose)

·  Cooks for others, without eating

·  Suffers from hair loss, cold hands and feet, fainting spells, shortness of breath, sore throat, bloating, heartburn, or dental problems

·  Uses the bathroom frequently after meals

·  Shows a distinct change from his/her normal personality

·  Resorts to isolation - avoiding peers or school activities