Till present, the actual cause of the starvation disease has not been determined. But three possible theories have been widely discussed by therapists and physicians. According to one theory, teenagers may be starving themselves in order to rebel against parental authority. Traditionally, refusal to eat has been a young child's weapon against parental discipline. The parent may plead (beg) and even demand that the child eat, but the child can refuse and demonstrate his or her power over the situation. Unconsciously, teenagers who diet to the point of starvation may be trying to teach their parents the same lesson: control is not in the hands of the parents.