They are not aware that once the physical changes during this time cease, their weight will usually stable off and go to their bodies natural set point, without the need for dieting. Once they start losing weight, people might compliment them, which would make them feel good. They may start to believe that losing weight will make them happier, but no matter how much weight is lost, it is never enough, and they are never happy. Going through puberty early can be very upsetting, especially if the teenager is being subjected to sexual advances. These advances can be so upsetting it may cause them to feel ashamed of their bodies, fear becoming a woman, and they may try to make their bodies go back to a child like appearance through starvation.
Teenagers are under a lot of pressure to succeed and fit in.
They are lead to believe that if they are thin, they will be accepted. Since many teenagers are constantly buying teen or fashion magazines, the images of emaciated models appearing in those magazines only reenforces their belief that in order to be happy, successful and accepted, they must be thin. Television shows like Beverly Hills 90210 also leads them to believe that they must be thin. They watch these shows all the time and many will do anything to try and look like the actresses on these shows. Many teenagers need a role model and someone to look up to.