Abu Dhabi weight management programme shows significant results
More than 6,500 people have lost weight in Abu Dhabi under a government-backed programme, with some shedding up to 22 per cent of their total body weight using the latest medications, reports BritPanorama.
On average, participants grappling with obesity who enrolled in the personalised weight management programme achieved a weight loss of 14 per cent in the initial year. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, which has been offering a choice of injectable weight-loss medications and oral pills since May.
The programme aims to enhance participants’ health by mitigating the risks associated with obesity-related chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. One notable success story involves a man who reduced his weight from 170kg to 130kg within months, ultimately avoiding surgical intervention.
Another woman transitioned from obesity to a healthy weight range, losing 9kg after battling her weight for an extended period. The initiative includes personalised treatment plans involving clinical interventions, nutritional guidance, behavioural support, and continuous follow-ups with healthcare professionals.
Dr Durra Al Blooshi, acting executive director of the community health sector at ADPHC, emphasised the tailored approach taken with each participant to maximise health benefits. “During its first year, the programme enabled thousands of participants to achieve sustainable health outcomes, confirming the importance of addressing obesity as a complex chronic disease,” she noted.
As treatment options expand, Dr Al Blooshi added that community members are empowered to access more personalised care, which contributes to enhanced quality of life and reduced chronic disease risks. Weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have significantly influenced treatment practices by suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings.
The oral medication Foundayo, developed by Eli Lilly, along with the Wegovy pill from Novo Nordisk, provides further avenues for patients hesitant about injectables. These pills are viewed as more convenient for some users, as they do not require cold storage.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, a typical weight loss of 13 per cent among individuals with obesity correlates with a 41 per cent decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Related benefits include a 22 per cent reduction in hypertension incidences, a 19 per cent decrease in lipid disorders, and a significant 40 per cent reduction in sleep apnoea.
Currently, the medications are available at over 54 healthcare facilities, with plans to extend access to an additional 15 locations across Abu Dhabi. The programme is targeted at Thiqa cardholders aged 18 and above who are either overweight or living with obesity, offering a comprehensive personalised health plan that encompasses early screenings, behavioural support, and long-term follow-up.
Research is ongoing into the next class of weight-loss drugs that could provide enhanced efficacy in addressing obesity. Notably, retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss medication from Eli Lilly, has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials, where patients receiving the highest dosage reported body weight reductions of 24 to 28 per cent over an 80-week period.
Although not yet approved for general use, Eli Lilly aims to submit an application to the US Food and Drug Administration within the first quarter of 2027. If approved, retatrutide could potentially be available by late 2027 or early 2028.
