**Children and Adolescents More Susceptible to Eating Disorders: Expert**
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders, according to an expert from the Mental Health Hospital in Tijuana (HSMT), Dr. Diana Casas. Adolescence is a critical period marked by questions about identity and belonging, which contributes to susceptibility. Dr. Casas highlights that disorders often emerge when young people become excessively focused on consuming unprocessed, “healthy” foods, driven by a desire to avoid weight gain.
One prevalent disorder is vigorexia, characterized by a distorted body image in which individuals perceive themselves as too thin, leading to excessive gym workouts and the consumption of weight-gain products. This obsession can result in anxiety, depression, and stress, disrupting healthy eating habits.
Dr. Casas attributes restrictive diets to the influence of social media, which shapes how young people perceive diet and exercise. While physical activity is beneficial, it can spiral into obsession, such as spending numerous hours at the gym or extraordinary efforts to acquire “healthier” foods.
**Further Insights on Eating Disorders and Adolescents**
Recent reports underscore that adolescent depression and suicidal tendencies are on the rise, with some cases linked to unhealthy dietary obsessions. Adolescents immersed in rigid social circles often feel a compulsion to match their peers’ lifestyle choices, including extreme dietary restrictions.
In other news related to mental and public health, discussions continue in areas like Tijuana regarding structural and organizational adjustments to better handle such psychological and nutritional health challenges. This includes partnerships to address historical recommendations, ensuring better mental health support systems for youths at risk, and fostering environments that elevate awareness about the dangers and signs of eating disorders.
Efforts to tackle these complex issues require coordinated approaches across sectors, aiming not only to provide immediate support but also to instigate long-term cultural changes that can help diminish the stigma and impact of eating disorders in youth populations.