Experts in Luxembourg are raising concerns about the growing influence of social media on young people's body image, highlighting the risks of eating disorders and calling for stronger media literacy, parental involvement, and multidisciplinary support systems.
Recent research in Luxembourg highlights that many adolescents, particularly those aged 11 to 18, hold a distorted view of their own bodies. Alarmingly, nearly 35% of teens surveyed consider themselves overweight. This skewed perception can contribute to serious health risks, including eating disorders, especially during puberty, a time when young people already feel physically and emotionally vulnerable.
What makes the current situation more concerning is the role of social media platforms, which are now amplifying the issue. As child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Salima Aarab explained, automatic algorithms often promote troubling content, ranging from idealised, unrealistic body images to content that glorifies eating disorders or promotes dangerous challenges. She warned that this kind of exposure, which barely existed a decade ago, can be particularly harmful to teens who are still trying to develop a healthy relationship with their own bodies.
In response to this trend, Luxembourg's health authorities have been working to raise awareness. The "Gesond iessen – Méi beweegen", "Eat well – Move more", programme promotes a balanced relationship with food. Anne Marx, operations coordinator at the Ministry of Health, stressed that the initiative deliberately avoids discussing calories, focusing instead on the joy of eating nutritious food. She also sounded the alarm on the rise of so-called online "coaches" who offer health advice, often completely unfounded or, worse, actively harmful.
Dr Aarab underlined the need for stronger media literacy among adolescents to help them navigate these digital spaces critically. It is essential, she noted, for both parents and teens to recognise that social media does not reflect reality. By encouraging open discussions at home and staying alert to online trends, families can take proactive steps before problems escalate, she said.
Looking ahead, Dr Aarab called for a more comprehensive approach to treatment for affected youth. She advocated for centralised support hubs offering multidisciplinary care, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nutrition specialists, to better support those struggling with eating disorders or body image issues.
