People want this unacceptable anorexia sweatshirt removed from Amazon

You know when you see something so wrong it makes your heart shrivel a little? Something so offensive you just have to ask yourself, “But HOW?” Well, that’s pretty much how we feel after seeing this sweatshirt on Amazon. Sold by third-party retailer ArturoBuch, this hoodie defines anorexia as: “like bulimia, except with self control.” The sweatshirt has over 170 reviews, and most of them are negative. Even the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) has issued a statement against it.

This sweatshirt is unacceptable. It contributes to the stigma of eating disorders while simultaneously glorifying them.

Commenters note that both anorexia and bulimia are serious illnesses. People also started sharing their own struggles with anorexia, and explained how the disease takes away all self-control; it becomes the center of the universe. In a response to the listing, according to Seventeen, NEDA issued a statement, saying:

"Jokes about eating disorders are dangerous and cliché. This hoodie propagates the myth that eating disorders are trivial and mere issues of willpower or self-control. Stereotypes like this result in increased stigma and are barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Anorexia is not a ‘lifestyle choice,’ it is a mental health disorder with socio-biological influences. We ask that Amazon stand with those affected by these deadly illnesses and remove the sweatshirt from their store. "

Although the product is still listed, and Amazon hasn’t issued a statement, we’re hoping they remove this ASAP. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, but all eating disorders can lead to death.

.. the fact that people are even questioning if it should be banned is disgusting. the stigma surrounding eating disorders makes people not wanna get help in the first place and making a joke out of it makes it worse. anorexia and bulimia kills people, this sweatshirt is hideous. https://t.co/Em0M1vZWcV

— kac ४ (@ghostofsirius) October 3, 2017

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can get help. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association online, or contact the NEDA Information and Referral Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.