THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON EATING HABITS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF OBESITY

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the influence of social media on eating habits and its relationship with the development of obesity. The growing use of digital platforms has modified behaviors and consumption patterns, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults, who are constantly exposed to content related to food, advertising of processed products, and aesthetic standards promoted by digital influencers. This study is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, developed through the analysis of scientific articles published between 2020 and 2026, retrieved from the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results showed that frequent exposure to social media is associated with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, the influence of digital marketing strategies, and the adoption of unhealthy eating habits. Furthermore, the search for idealized body standards may contribute to behaviors that are harmful to health. It is concluded that social media exerts a strong influence on food choices and may contribute to rising obesity rates, making food education and health promotion actions in digital environments necessary.