Obesity & Weight Management Medical Approaches Beyond Dieting 

 
In today’s fast-paced world, weight gain is often seen as a cosmetic issue. But in reality, obesity is a medical condition with far-reaching consequences for health, including diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, infertility, and sleep apnea. In the UAE, where sedentary lifestyles and calorie-rich diets are common, obesity rates are among the highest globally. For many, diets and exercise alone are not enough; professional medical support is needed. 

Obesity is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. While a BMI over 25 is considered overweight, a BMI over 30 is considered obesity. Yet numbers only tell part of the story; obesity is also linked to hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, and even sleep disorders. 

At IMH Dubai, our weight management program begins with a thorough evaluation: body composition analysis, metabolic and hormonal testing, and dietary assessment. Based on this, treatment is personalized. Options include: 

• Lifestyle modification: structured meal planning, culturally appropriate diet advice, and guided fitness programs. 

• Medical therapies: appetite-suppressant medications and GLP-1 agonist injections, which are transforming obesity management worldwide. 

• Behavioral counseling: addressing emotional eating, stress, and sleep patterns. 

• Surgical options: In partnership with bariatric specialists, patients with severe obesity may undergo gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. 

Obesity isn’t about willpower—it’s about biology and environment. By treating it as a chronic disease, patients achieve not only weight loss but also improved energy, fertility, and self-confidence. 

In the UAE, where social events and cultural traditions revolve around food, obesity management must be culturally sensitive. Our specialists guide patients on maintaining healthy habits during Ramadan, family gatherings, and travel. 

With medical support, weight loss becomes sustainable, not temporary. Obesity is not a life sentence—it is a condition that can be managed and overcome with the right care.