Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Obesity affects about a billion people worldwide, and no country has yet succeeded in curbing its prevalence, experts say. In the UAE, however, strategic efforts are underway to tackle the disease — from raising awareness and setting guidelines to developing innovative weight loss solutions.
Dr. Mohammed Al Hadad, Medical Director and Head of Obesity Management at Healthpoint Hospital in Abu Dhabi (part of the M42 group), described obesity as the “pandemic of the 21st century,” yet there remains a gap in understanding the condition.
“Around one billion people worldwide are living with it, yet most still do not think of it as a disease. They see it as the patient’s fault — when in reality it is associated with 200 medical problems, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis,” Dr. Al Hadad told Aletihad.
“If we control obesity, we can control 200 other diseases.” The UAE, he said, is among the leading countries that are working to combat the disease.
“The UAE was the first country in the region to adopt a standard of care for obesity management back in 2008–2009, [and this is] revised every 2–3 years. There are also programmes such as … coverage for obesity medications and major conferences. We are even bidding to host the International Conference on Obesity in Abu Dhabi,” Dr. Al Hadad said.
He highlighted another key initiative in progress: the development of obesity management guidelines with the potential for global application.
“For the first time, we are leading the effort to put together international guidelines for the management of obesity. This will be from Abu Dhabi to the rest of the world,” Dr. Al Hadad said.
With awareness drives, industry leaders are hoping to deepen people’s understanding of obesity as a complex, chronic condition.
Tony Terzis, Associate VP for Medical Affairs Middle East and Türkiye Area at pharma company Lilly, said, “Through our Obesity Roadshow, Lilly also seeks to … equip individuals with the tools and resources they need to take proactive steps toward improved health. We remain committed to working closely with stakeholders across the UAE healthcare ecosystem to ensure people living with obesity receive the long-term support and care they need to thrive.”
Earlier this year, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) launched the Personalised Weight Management Programme, the first of its kind in the region.
Integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model and tailored clinical support, this initiative promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and ultimately, enhances overall quality of life and health longevity.
Open to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active participation.
Overcoming Obesity
Beating obesity is not just about following a strict diet and an exercise regime; there is a need for a “permanent behavioural change,” Dr Al Hadad said.
“We do not like to call it lifestyle or diet, because those are temporary. Obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease. What we want is behavioural modification: changes that last for life. For example, replacing a chocolate snack with a healthier option that satisfies both the brain and the stomach,” he said.
The necessary change involves diet adjustments, physical activity, and mindful eating. “We usually advise at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week: walking briskly, jogging, or swimming, anything that makes the patient sweat and feel their heartbeat. That is real exercise,” Dr. Al Hadad said.
New technologies are also providing valuable support: “Wearables now track heart rate, oxygen, calories, and activity. With AI entering the field, these devices will increasingly guide patients in maintaining physical activity, which is essential for behavioural modification,” he said.
First Magnet-Based Weight Loss Procedure
Surgical innovations can make a difference, too. For example, the UAE’s first magnet-based weight-loss procedure has been introduced at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
In this procedure, magnets are used “to create connections between the stomach and intestine for patients struggling with weight regain after a sleeve gastrectomy,” said Dr. John H. Rodriguez, Chief of the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Unlike in traditional surgery, which involves sutures and staplers - that carry risks of leaks - the use of magnets allows the body to form the connection naturally over two to three weeks.
“This enhances weight-loss outcomes and helps resolve related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure,” Dr. Rodriguez said.
“We are very excited to be the first hospital in the UAE to perform this operation. The initial cases have been very successful, offering patients a safe alternative without high-risk procedures,” he added.
During the procedure, one magnet is swallowed or placed with an endoscope, and another is guided into position, Dr. Rodriguez said.
“These magnets attract each other, and the surgery is essentially complete. Over the following weeks, the magnets create the connection and then pass naturally through the body.”
“Because the body forms the link gradually, the inflammatory response is much lower compared to staplers or sutures,” he said.
