Let $M$ be a closed manifold with non-torsion $\pi_2$, and $A$ a non-trivial free homotopy class of a map $f: S^2 \to M$. Let $S$ be the set of (immersed) class $A$ surfaces in $(M,g)$ with mean curvature bounded from above by a fixed constant $C$. Suppose $C$ is sufficiently small, is the $g$-area function bounded on $S$?

A preliminary version of the question would be to ask if this holds for loops in $M$, with mean curvature replaced by geodesic curvature, again assuming $\pi_1(M)$ is non-torsion. But it is surfaces I need.