Overview

• Ana María Balboa Verduzco of the National Polytechnic Institute says constant exposure to unrealistic, highly filtered body ideals on platforms has become a serious risk factor for adolescents and young adults.
• She notes negative mental health outcomes linked to disordered eating and body distortion, including depression, anxiety, low self‑esteem and suicidal thoughts.
• Physical complications highlighted include neurological harm, hormonal disruptions such as missed menstruation, and cardiac, digestive and dental damage.
• While causes are multifactorial, prior weight‑related bullying in childhood can contribute to the onset of conditions such as bulimia, according to the specialist.
• Parents are urged to watch for isolation, mood changes and sudden ongoing weight loss, seek regular medical checkups, and pursue cognitive behavioral therapy within a coordinated team that can include psychologist, pediatrician, nutritionist and child psychiatrist, a message aligned with SEP’s preventive agenda under President Claudia Sheinbaum.