Doctors Urge Intensive Lifestyle Change to Fight Obesity in UAE Teens

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Obesity Program sees an increase in young patients with BMI of 50

​Easy access to high-calorie fast food and fewer physical activity hours are contributing factors to the disturbing rise of overweight and obesity levels among young people in the UAE, say experts at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health. 

Patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25, and with risk factors for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, are considered for the Obesity Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Doctors saw an increase in the number of patients seeking medical and surgical treatments for weight loss last year and performed 450 bariatric surgeries in 2020. The program’s youngest patients have been between 14 and 18 years of age.  

“There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that the rates of overweight and obesity in the UAE remain stubbornly high. What is worrying is that these numbers seem to be increasing among young adults,” says Dr. Javed Raza, a staff physician and surgeon in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

“While the rise in the number of patients is a sign of awareness that they need to get their health back on track, it is also an indication of the scale of the problem, which needs to be addressed through more community education,” he says. 

According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity amongst children between the ages of five and 17 in the UAE was 14.45 percent in 2018. 

“2020 added the challenge of homeschooling, fewer opportunities for outdoor activities and the convenience of food being delivered at the click of a button. The pandemic may not have caused the high obesity levels, but it did contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle in young people,” says Dr. Raza.

Dr. Rahat Ghazanfar, a staff physician in the General Medicine Department in the Medical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, says she typically recommends a lifestyle-altering approach for young patients before suggesting a medical or surgical route. 

“There are ways to reverse and manage this chronic disease through a good diet and exercise plan. Even if a patient opts for a medical or surgical approach, a complete overhaul of their lifestyle is imperative to make any treatment effective and successful,” she says. 

Patients of the Obesity Program are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, metabolic surgeons, nurses, dieticians and patient educators. As part of the program, they are evaluated for comorbidities, hormonal problems associated with obesity, complications and nutritional deficiencies. They are then given a lifestyle, medical, surgical, or a combination plan based on their history, screening and preferences. 

Dr. Ghazanfar explains that the care for patients seeking weight loss looks at all aspects of their wellbeing. 

“The unique aspect of our program is that we look at all dimensions of health that can be affected by their weight. That includes pulmonology for sleep apnea, cardiology, psychiatry, advanced endoscopy and gastroenterology to deal with post bariatric problems.”

Dr. Raza adds that they’ve enhanced convenience for patients from across the country during the pandemic with more access to ongoing support. At the same time, patients who have had bariatric surgery will be seen even without an appointment at the clinic if they have concerns or questions during the first month of their recovery.

“To make it convenient for our patients, especially those who live in the Northern Emirates, we do regular follow ups virtually through the hospital’s health app.  We also have a patient support group, which used to meet physically but is now virtual due to the pandemic, for patients who have benefited from the program and want to share their experience and encourage others to take action,” he said.  

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 222 33, visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.