Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes de Latinoamérica: una revisión sistemática

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs), such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are a growing public health concern among adolescents in Latin America, particularly among young women. This systematic review aims to identify the prevalence of EDs in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Latin America and to analyze the associated sociocultural factors. A qualitative design following the PRISMA method was used, including studies published between 2019 and 2024 in SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria considered epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and prevalence analyses. The results show that the most prevalent EDs are, in order, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Among the most prominent sociocultural risk factors are social pressure, the influence of social media on body image, low self-esteem, high self-demand, and unattainable beauty standards. Protective factors identified include family and social support, education in healthy eating habits, and access to mental health and nutrition information. Current treatments include hospitalization, psychotherapy, and outpatient services, although barriers such as treatment resistance and high comorbidity persist. The conclusions emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach that considers psychological, social, and biological factors, and suggest future research on rural communities and the impact of social media.