Dubai Health Authority launches weight loss programs in Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 12, 2015: His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) recently launched the weight loss program at the Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre.

The Authority will now offer weight loss management services for the community and for patients undergoing physiotherapy at the Centre.

Al Qatami said: “The aim of the program is to provide multidisciplinary treatment to our patients so that they receive holistic health services under one roof. Research shows the link between excessive weight and muscle inactivity and thus we believe that nutritional counseling, exercise programs and psychological support can help achieve long-term meaningful results. The introduction of these weight loss programs for patients undergoing physiotherapy will lead to improved patient outcomes.”

Dr Amal Al Shamlan, director of DPRC, said: “The more weight that's on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes, and the more likely it will wear down and be damaged. Weight plays an important role in joint stress, so when people are very overweight, it puts stress on their joints, especially their weight-bearing joints, like the knees and the hips. A majority of our overweight and obese patients experience knee and back pain or have osteoarthritis. Providing weight loss programs will directly lead to better physiotherapy treatment response.

“These programs will also help prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc. through early intervention programs.”

Dr Waffa Ayesh, director of clinical nutrition at the DHA, said: “ We will provide weight loss counseling based on the needs of every individuals. A series of tests including BMI analysis and discussions with the physiotherapist will help us decide the extent and strategy for weight loss. We may also request the patient to meet a physical if required.”

Ayesh said DHA nutritionists will regularly follow-up with patients to monitor their progress and ensure they stay on course with their weight loss programme.