Meaning in life mediates the relationship between neuroticism traits and depression and binge eating in participants with morbid obesity

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for morbid obesity. However numerous studies have reported elevated rates of depression in bariatric surgery patients. Neuroticism has been identified as a significant risk factor for depression, obesity and binge-eating behaviors. MIL has been identified as a mediator of neuroticism, depression, and binge eating in individuals with and without eating disorders. To date, there are no studies that analyze the protective role of MIL in the relationship between neuroticism and depression or binge eating in participants with morbid obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the mediating role of meaning in life in the association between neuroticism, depression, and binge eating. The sample was composed of 122 participants with morbid obesity who were candidates for bariatric surgery. The mean Body Mass Index was 44.42(6.06). A multiple mediation model was proposed. Neuroticism was positively associated with binge-eating disorder symptoms and depression. Meaning in life was a mediating and protective factor in the relationship between neuroticism and both depression and binge-eating disorder symptoms. This study suggests that increasing meaning in life in people with morbid obesity could reduce their levels of depression and binge eating.