Anorexia nervosa is a disease listed in the International Classification of Diseases. However, young pro-anorexics believe they are adopting a "lifestyle". The aim of this paper is to analyze the "cultural identity" of these youths, investigating a Brazilian virtual community. Virtual Ethnography was used methodologically in three "units of meaning" found in this community: the tension between anorexia as a disease versus anorexia as a lifestyle; the ideal of perfection; and the meaning of belonging to the group. The results suggest that pro-anorexia identity differs from the biomedical model. It admits that the thin body serves as reference for social recognition and economic success. In this sense, the online forums allow for identity construction based on anonymity. Studies of anorexic practices in virtual communities should be encouraged because they contribute to the understanding of the adolescents' universe and collaborate with the promotion of policies and actions targeted at their health.
Anorexia; Adolescent behavior; Webcasts; Internet