Studies have shown that people with anorexia are especially prone to obsessive compulsive disorder. Cultural influences can also cause anorexia as can be seen in most western cultures. The social pressures of western cultures certainly play a major role in triggering eating disorders such as anorexia. On the other hand, advertisers heavily market weight reductions programs and present anorexic young models as the paradigm of sexual desirability and on the other hand again, the media floods the public with ads for junk food. According to the World of Psychology "over the past quarter century, the 'ideal' female figure as portrayed in the media and by fashion and entertainment industries, has become even thinner, often to the point of emancipation"(World of Psychology Page 317). Due to cultural influences in a country .
where obesity is epidemic, young women who achieve thinness believe they have accomplished a major cultural and personal victory; they have overcome the temptations of junk food and at the same time, created an image idealized by the media. This false sense of accomplishment is often reinforced by the envy of their heavier friends who may perceive anorexic patients as being stronger and more sexually attractive than they are. The media definitely plays a major role in the cause of anorexia. According to the World of Psychology "It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of this disorder. More anorexic individuals are well-behaved and academically successful"(The World of Psychology Page .
371). Some investigators even believe that " young women who refuse to eat are .
attempting to control a portion of their lives, which they feel unable to control in most .
situations"(Psychology Today, May 98). The symptoms of anorexia vary since most .
women with the disorder keep it a secret but the major symptom is the change in size. .
According to an article from WebMd " the primary symptom of anorexia is major weight loss from excessive and continuos dieting which may either be restrictive dieting or .