This policy brief, based on a qualitative study conducted in El Salvador and Peru, incorporates the voices of adolescents and experts in nutrition, mental health, and public policy, complemented by a review of recent scientific literature. The evidence highlights the need to strengthen the implementation of existing policies, regulate exposure to digital content, and address sociocultural factors that reinforce body dissatisfaction, stigma, and the consumption of unhealthy foods. The proposed recommendations aim to guide multisectoral actions that foster healthier and more protective environments for adolescents. This effort aligns with UNICEF’s strategic priorities, which emphasize the holistic well-being of adolescents through integrated approaches to mental health and nutrition.
Health and Education Resource Centre