Overview
- Ana María Balboa Verduzco of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional reports that exposure to unrealistic, highly filtered body images on digital platforms has become a major risk factor for adolescents and young adults.
- The World Health Organization classifies eating disorders as mental and behavioral conditions marked by persistent fear of weight gain and disordered eating in both females and males.
- Coverage details psychological harms tied to distorted body perception, including depression, anxiety, low self‑esteem, intrusive distorted thoughts and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation.
- Experts cite serious physical complications from disordered behaviors such as extreme dieting, starvation and excessive exercise, including neurological damage, hormonal disruptions like suspended menstruation, and cardiac, digestive and dental problems.
- Guidance emphasizes early parental detection of warning signs such as isolation, sudden and sustained weight loss or depression, with treatment centered on cognitive‑behavioral therapy, coordinated care from mental‑ and physical‑health professionals, and preventive habits like balanced nutrition, moderate exercise and supportive family activities.