Because of this distorted self-image, no matter how much weight they lose, anorectics constantly remain afraid of becoming fat. Biological factors probably also play a role. By refusing to eat, the anorectic retards her body's normal sexual development and keeps her preadolescent shape. Subconsciously she may be trying to retreat from sexual maturity. Sometimes the anorectic has unresolved guilt feelings that can be traced to an early experience with sex.
Some psychologists believe the girl's family situation is the underlying cause.
Most anorectics, they say, come from families where parents are overly protective, controlling, and rigid. The anorexia is interpreted as an extreme type of adolescent rebellion against parental authority. Other psychologists think anorectics themselves suffer from obsessive-compulsive or other psychological disorders. The disorder usually starts while they are in their teens. Girls as young as 11 and women as old as 60 or more have become anorectics, however.