Disinhibition and Subjective Hunger as Mediators Between Weight Bias Internalization and Binge Eating Among Pre-Surgical Bariatric Patients.

Weight bias internalization, or the process of applying negative weight-related attitudes and beliefs to oneself, is an important construct in regard to patients pursuing bariatric surgery. Weight bias internalization (or internalized weight bias) has been previously associated with depressive symptoms and binge eating among pre-surgical bariatric patients. However, a gap in the literature exists pertaining to how certain eating behaviors may mediate the relationship between weight bias internalization and binge eating. The present study assessed the role of eating behaviors (i.e., cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger) as mediators between weight bias internalization and binge eating symptoms when controlling for depression.