Interoception and Illness Perception Before and After Bariatric Surgery: Impact on Disordered Eating (Interoceptiv-BAR)

Obesity is associated with alterations in the perception and interpretation of internal bodily signals (interoception), which may influence eating behaviors, emotional regulation, and long-term weight outcomes. Bariatric surgery induces profound physiological and neurohormonal changes that may affect interoceptive awareness and illness perception, potentially impacting the risk of disordered eating behaviors after surgery. This observational study aims to evaluate longitudinal changes in interoceptive awareness and illness perception in adults with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery, from the pre-operative phase to long-term follow-up. The study also explores the relationship between these psychological constructs and clinical and behavioral outcomes over time.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older. * Diagnosis of severe or morbid obesity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities or ≥40 kg/m²). * Undergoing multidisciplinary evaluation with indication for bariatric surgery. * Ability to provide informed consent and complete self-administered questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * Age younger than 18 years. * Presence of neurological disorders associated with cognitive impairment that may interfere with questionnaire completion. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment. * Inability to complete study assessments due to language barriers or other conditions limiting participation.