Weight Self-Stigma and Food Noise During Post-Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Weight Stability

Food noise has been studied with GLP-1-based therapies, but not with metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS), despite shared mechanisms. Data on food noise beyond initial weight loss are limited, and weight self-stigma (WSS), which links to poorer weight outcomes and risky behaviors after MBS, may relate to higher food noise, especially during weight stabilization. This study investigates whether WSS is associated with increased food noise during stable weight following MBS.

Adults who remained weight stable following MBS completed the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ). Multivariable linear regression examined associations between WSSQ scores (total and self-devaluation/fear of enacted stigma subscales) and FNQ scores.

Participants (n = 60) were 13.3 ± 4.5 months post surgery, with a maximum weight loss of 24.8% ± 8.4%. Higher WSSQ total (B = 0.29, p = 0.001) and self-devaluation subscale (B = 0.36, p = 0.021) scores were associated with higher FNQ scores.

Food noise increased with higher WSS, particularly among individuals reporting greater self-devaluation due to weight during postoperative weight stability. Further research should map this relationship across postoperative weight stages, test causal direction, and identify mechanisms. Because WSS and food noise can undermine health behaviors, weight loss, and health gains after MBS, routine screening and integrated clinical interventions may be warranted.