Hatta Hospital opens Obesity and Weight Management Clinic

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, November 13, 2013: Hatta Hospital recently opened a dedicated obesity and weight management clinic to help overweight and obese patients  fight the flab.

UAE has a high prevalence of overweight and obese population in the country and as per  2012 World Health Organization statistics, UAE is tenth in a list of countries with the most overweight people. According to World Health Organization ( WHO), overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI) and a person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight.

Dr Saif Abdulla Bin Lewali, CEO of Hatta Hospital said: “ Given the high prevalence of  overweight and obese individuals in the country, we recognized the need for a dedicated clinic that provides customized weight management plans including weight loss techniques, dietary plans, exercise programs, as well as advice on behavior modification to help patients battle the bulge so that they can take charge of their health and most importantly adapt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Education and support are two important factors to help people take charge of their health and we aim to direct them to this path.”

Dr Abdelaziz Al Zarooni, Medical Director of Hatta Hospital said: “Healthy lifestyle modification requires dedication and support, especially since several crash diet and bariatric surgery options are available which are quick-fixes and often mask the problem. He highlighted that bariatric surgery is medically recommended in several cases, however those who can control their weight through diet and exercise, should not opt for short-cuts as lifestyle modification is a permanent solution and it should be a way of life.”

Zarooni highlighted that overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The 2009 Dubai Household Health Survey revealed that only 19 per cent of Dubai's population exercise on a regular basis and that 59 per cent of residents in Dubai do not consume enough fruit and vegetables. Zarooni said: “Sustained measures of health education is important to drive home the message about the dangers of a sedentary life and fast-food culture that directly leads to expanding waistlines. Our aim through this dedicated clinic is to encourage the community to incorporate simple changes in their lifestyle so that they can lead a healthier and a happier life.”