Using social media to encourage body positivity in Latinx teens

Leveraging social media to promote body positivity among Latinx adolescents

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11163552

This study is all about helping Latinx teens feel better about their bodies and improve their mental and physical health by using social media to share positive messages and support each other, aiming to reduce the negative feelings that come from weight stigma.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11163552 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the mental and physical health of Latinx adolescents by promoting body positivity through social media. It focuses on addressing weight stigma, which can lead to various health issues such as anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. By creating a social media intervention, the project seeks to change social norms around body image, encouraging teens to share positive messages and support one another. The approach involves engaging adolescents in a way that resonates with their daily lives and online interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Latinx adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be affected by body image issues or weight stigma.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Latinx or who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and body image among Latinx adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on social media interventions for body positivity, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in improving body image and reducing stigma.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.