Chronic Widespread Pain After Rapid Weight Loss in Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latino/a/x Adults

This observational study is examining whether bariatric (weight loss) surgery improves chronic widespread pain — persistent pain in multiple body areas — in Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic Black adults who are eligible for bariatric surgery, as these communities are underrepresented in pain and surgical research. Researchers will assess pain at rest, movement-evoked pain, pain processing, and joint function before surgery and again 6 months later to see how much improvement occurs. Adults who self-identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino, have a BMI of 40 or higher (or 35+ with a health comorbidity), experience chronic widespread pain (pain in 3+ body areas on both sides of the body, rated 3/10 or higher), and can walk independently are eligible — those with prior bariatric surgery or autoimmune conditions are excluded. Participation involves two in-person lab visits (before and 6 months after surgery) plus one remote visit at 3 months for questionnaires and pain assessments, with no changes to the planned surgical procedure. This summary was prepared with AI assistance to help patients understand the study in plain language.