From Weight Bias Internalization to Health-Related Quality of Life: Self-esteem and Psychopathology in Pre-bariatric Surgery Patients

Abstract

IntroductionIt has been reported that people seeking bariatric surgery have poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Weight bias internalization (WBI) is prevalent in this population and strongly associated with psychopathology and health status. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying the relationship between WBI and the physical and mental dimensions of HRQoL remain to be clarified.MethodsA preoperative sample of patients with obesity (N = 246; women = 75.2%; Mage = 32.07) completed validated measures as part of a routine preoperative psychological assessment to assess their WBI, self-esteem, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and HRQoL.ResultsAfter controlling for the effects of gender, age, and BMI, WBI was linked to poorer physical and mental HRQoL through low self-esteem and increased psychological distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms.ConclusionIn pre-bariatric surgery patients with obesity, high WBI may predict impairments in mental and physical HRQoL by lowering self-esteem, and further increasing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Interventions targeting WBI may be an important aspect to consider in the clinical treatment of pre-bariatric surgery patients. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to determine causality.Graphical abstract