Research trends in unhealthy weight management behavior and social media influence among women in emerging adulthood: Systematic review

Background: Unhealthy Weight Management Behavior (UWMB) refers to harmful weight-control practices that can lead to physical and mental health issues, requiring intervention. This study examines how social media affects UWMB in emerging adult women (18-25 years). Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies published between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2023. Study quality was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024542028). Results: Nine studies were included. Social networking sites (SNS) (n = 6, 66.7%) promoted self-objectification, body comparison, and appearance-focused feedback, contributing to UWMB. Appearance comparisons on SNS triggered body dissatisfaction, exacerbating UWMB. Content communities (n = 4, 44.5%), such as diet/fitness apps, fostered competition and obsession with numbers, further aggravating UWMB. Definitions of UWMB varied across studies, encompassing behaviors like heavy exercise, substance use, surgical methods, calorie-counting obsession, and binge eating, highlighting inconsistencies. Conclusions: Social media's diverse negative influences on UWMB in emerging adult women are highlighted with the need for clearer definitions and measurements of UWMB. Tailored interventions that address the specific impacts of different social media platforms are essential.