They warn that applying trendy diets to the whole family can be a health risk for children and adolescents.

Social media and new lifestyle habits have spurred the proliferation of diets or food trends that promise quick results for adults, and for practical reasons, are sometimes also applied to children in some families. However, Dr. Aurora Mesas Aróstegui, a specialist in the Pediatric Endocrinology Service at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital, has warned of the risks involved in applying these types of patterns to children and adolescents. "Each stage of growth has specific nutritional needs. Any restriction without medical supervision can affect physical development, school performance, and even the emotional state of the child," the endocrinologist advised. Among the most widespread diets are those that eliminate entire food groups and those that promote prolonged fasting, as pointed out by Quirónsalud Marbella in a statement. In this regard, Mesas emphasized that "diets that do not provide enough energy or essential micronutrients can alter the secretion of growth hormones and affect final height or bone mass." "There is no universally valid diet for all children. Needs vary according to age, sex, physical activity, or the stage of pubertal development. The fundamental thing is to ensure a complete, varied, and balanced diet," she added. The specialist also recalled that balance does not consist of prohibiting, but in educating. "It's not about eliminating foods, but about teaching children to recognize what is healthy and what is not. At home, the best example is set by the parents with their own habits," she noted. She also warned about the confusing messages circulating on the internet or among groups of parents. "We must be careful with the information that is spread on social media. Not everything that is presented as healthy is so, and many recommendations have no scientific backing," she remarked. Dr. Mesas has insisted on the importance of always consulting with a professional before making significant changes to a minor's diet: "Fashion diets may work for adults under medical supervision, but in childhood and adolescence, where the body is still developing, they can have irreversible consequences." Furthermore, the specialist highlighted the need to include all fundamental food groups in children's diets for growth and development. "Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, both animal and plant proteins, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and olive oil as the main source of healthy fat should be present daily in a child's diet," she pointed out. Similarly, Dr. Mesas also emphasized the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. She notes that physical exercise is an essential part of child health. It's important to avoid sedentary lifestyles, reduce time in front of screens and video games, and promote team sports and outdoor games. She adds, moreover, that "eating together, calmly and without television, is a simple way to strengthen family bonds and promote healthy habits that will last a lifetime." Finally, the endocrinologist reminded us that the key lies in nutritional education and balance: "We don't need fashion diets, but lasting habits. Eating well is not a matter of aesthetics, but of present and future health," she concluded.