Objective:

To explore the psychological mechanisms underlying the association between weight bias internalization (WBI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pre-bariatric surgery patients, emphasizing the significance of these mechanisms.

Key Findings:

• WBI negatively impacts both physical and psychological health, suggesting a need for targeted interventions.
• Higher levels of WBI are associated with lower self-esteem, indicating a potential area for therapeutic focus.
• Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may mediate the relationship between WBI and HRQoL, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest that WBI may lead to poorer HRQoL through its effects on self-esteem and psychological distress, highlighting the need for psychological support in pre-bariatric surgery patients and calling for further research in this area.

Limitations:

• The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences; future longitudinal studies are needed.
• Self-reported measures may introduce bias; incorporating objective measures could enhance validity.

Conclusion:

Understanding the mechanisms linking WBI to HRQoL can inform interventions aimed at improving psychological outcomes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, emphasizing the need for clinical attention to WBI.