Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex condition primarily caused by excess body fat. Obesity is more than a cosmetic issue. This medical condition increases the risk of many other illnesses and health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, liver disease, sleep apnea, and many forms of cancer are among them.

Some people find it difficult to lose weight for various reasons. Sometimes, obesity is caused by a combination of environment, physiology, genetic variables, diet, exercise, and physical activity choices.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Obesity must be treated in time to prevent significant health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. Early treatment can improve general health and well-being by reducing the risk of long-term diseases, improving quality of life, and helping with proper weight management. It also leads to better long-term control and successful weight loss.

What are the Common Symptoms of Obesity?

Common symptoms of obesity include the following:

  • Excessive Body Fat: Gaining much weight in the thighs, hips, and abdomen.
  • Breathlessness: Shortness of breath upon exertion
  • Fatigue: Weak and getting tired, even after rest.
  • Snoring or Sleep apnea refers to breathing difficulties that disturb sleep most of the time.
  • Excessive Sweating: Sweating more, especially at rest or exercising.
  • Difficulty moving around and, for this reason, being unable to carry out any physical activity.
  • Increased Appetite: Always feeling hungry or wanting to eat.
  • Mood Changes: Depressed, anxious, or low self-esteem feelings linked to weight-related problems.

Causes and Risk Factors of Obesity

Causes

  • Poor Diet: Consumption of processed snacks, sugary drinks, high-calorie foods, and low-nutrient fast food.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: Prolonged sitting and inactivity lead to lower caloric expenditure.
  • Genetics: Genetic predisposition, inherited genes, and family history may influence the body's way of storing fat and controlling metabolism.
  • Medical Conditions: Insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of obesity.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances in leptin, ghrelin, and insulin may affect appetite and fat storage.
  • Emotional Factors: Overeating as a coping mechanism may be caused by stress, despair, and emotional eating.

Risk Factors

  • Age
  • Physical Inactivity
  • Poor Diet
  • Medical Conditions
  • Medications
  • Psychological Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Sleep Issues

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates

Recent research in the United Arab Emirates has revealed innovative ways of managing obesity that integrate technology and personalised care. Through websites and mobile apps, a technology-supported lifestyle intervention was developed for overweight and obese young adults. Sustained changes in participants' knowledge of nutrition, physical activity levels, and social support indicate that digital technology can promote healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Obesity Prevention Tips

Here are some tips for preventing obesity:

Keep Your Diet Balanced: Limit processed foods, sugar-filled beverages, and high-calorie snacks while eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Maintain Your Physical Activity Level: Try to get in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, on most days of the week.

Control Portion Sizes: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and be aware of portion sizes to prevent overindulgence.

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Limit sugary drinks and sip water throughout the day.

Get Enough Sleep: Get between seven and nine hours of sound sleep every night. Lack of sleep can alter appetite hormones and cause overeating.

Treatment options for Obesity

Gastric Bypass: This technique prevents food intake and nutrient absorption by bypassing a portion of the small intestine and creating a tiny pouch-like stomach.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 8000Explore Options

Sleeve Gastrectomy: A sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake is left behind after a significant section of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastroscopy.


Cost Start From USD 9500 - USD 11000Explore Options

Lap Gastric Banding: restricts the amount of food consumed by wrapping a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch known as an Adjustable Gastric Banding or lap band.


Cost Start From USD 4000 - USD 9500Explore Options

  • Clinical assessment:
    • Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination evaluates overall health. This includes measuring waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. It helps estimate body fat distribution and the possible risk of developing diabetes or heart problems.
    • Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to screen for potential subclinical medical disorders such as insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, and high cholesterol that could be associated with obesity.
  • Imaging Tests:
    • The DEXA scan is a test that measures bone density, lean mass, and fat mass. It provides a detailed assessment of fat distribution, which is essential to understand the health risks associated with obesity.
    • Ultrasound: Fatty liver and abdominal fat are common conditions in obese individuals, and ultrasound imaging can be used to assess these conditions.

Our MediRehab facilities, part of MediGence, offer physical therapy services for international patients. We also have convenient teleconsultation options so that patients all over the globe can receive expert treatment remotely. A few services such as:

  • Behaviouraltherapy is focused on solving emotional eating, developing self-control, and changing pathological eating habits. It may aid people in formulating and reaching weight loss objectives, and it may use support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or counselling.
  • Physical therapy: Customized exercise programs for obese individuals help improve their strength, cardiovascular fitness, and ambulation ability. A physical therapist can design low-impact exercises that can gradually raise the intensity of a patient's activity without harming the patient.
  • Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Obesity in United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Zulekha Hospital Sharjah

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Zulekha Hospital Sharjah is present over a 290,000 square feet area.
  • The hospital stands today with a bed capacity of 185.
  • The hospital also has a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and radiology as well as laboratory services.
  • There is an ICU and Neonatal ICUs.
  • There are facilities for Dialysis and advanced technological applications such as Minimal Invasive surgeries.
  • In Zulekha Hospital Sharjah Bariatric procedures, Joint Replacement, Specialised Cancer Care, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Procedure, Plastic and Reconstructive Procedure are performed.
  • It also specialises in Pediatric Cardiology, Pulmonology and Chest Diseases, etc.
  • Teleconsultation services as well as an international patient care center with related assistance for medical travelers are functioning in Zulekha Sharjah.
Burjeel Medical City: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Medical City

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Hospital owns an International Patient Services Team that is responsible to assist international patients with world-class healthcare, transportation arrangement, accommodation facilities, language interpreters, and much more. 

Burjeel Medical City (about 1.2 million square facilities)provides 7-star hospitality to its patients. It has the largest facility space bed among all the private hospitals. The Hospital consists of-

  • Large waiting areas and consultation rooms 
  • Spacious lobbies on each floor 
  • 338 Luxurious Patient Rooms 
  • 70 Ambulatory Rooms
  • Intensive Care Units
  • The Hospital comprises various centers, under Burjeel Cancer Institute- 
  • Breast Center
  • Uro-oncology Center
  • Surface Malignancy Center (HIPC)
  • Head & Oncology Center
  • Medical Oncology & Hematology Center and others
Zulekha Hospital Dubai: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Zulekha Hospital Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Dubai located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The bed capacity of Zulekha Hospital Dubai is 140.
  • Diagnostic centers, pharmacies, inpatient and outpatient care are provided at Zulekha Hospital Dubai.
  • This hospital provides the best of healthcare packages
  • Its surgical base is really strong with the hospital having successfully initiated and completed minimally invasive surgeries, joint replacement surgeries, bariatric surgeries, cardiac, and neonatal surgeries.
  • Radiology, laboratory, operating theatres, dialysis section and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory are all present in Zulekha Hospital Dubai, UAE.

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Obesity Treatment?

The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination for treating obesity for several significant reasons:

Affordable Healthcare: Compared to many Western countries, the United Arab Emirates provides affordable treatment options, including weight loss programs and bariatric surgery, at a fraction of the cost.

Highly Trained Medical Professionals

The UAE has highly trained doctors and surgeons, many of whom are internationally qualified and aware of the latest obesity treatments.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Most UAE hospitals have the latest medical technology to ensure quality care and follow international healthcare standards.

There are various treatment options, ranging from incredibly complex bariatric operations to non-surgical weight loss programs. Patients can expect therapy plans that address their specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A well-balanced diet rich in nutritious food with limited portions will help you lose weight. Include common exercise, with 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, and drink plenty of water. Eat mindfully, get seven to nine hours of good sleep, and use yoga or other stress-reduction techniques. To maintain motivation, set reasonable weight loss objectives, don't skip meals, and surround yourself with encouraging people.

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss method for severely obese individuals that alters the digestive tract to help the patient lose weight. The options include sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and gastric bypass. Candidates must have failed other efforts at weight loss and have a BMI of 40 or higher or 35 or higher with obesity-related medical conditions. To undergo the procedure, they must also be generally healthy and committed to lifestyle changes over the rest of their lives.

Although the recovery time after bariatric surgery in the United Arab Emirates varies by patient and technique, it generally takes three to six weeks. Patients usually spend one to three days in the hospital immediately following surgery. The diet is liquid or soft food for the first few weeks, and rest is essential.

Most people can return to mild work or hobbies within two to three weeks, but physical activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Complete healing takes six months, but readjusting to the new food and lifestyle changes may take up to three months.

There are several types of bariatric surgery, all of which aim at helping patients lose weight by effecting changes to the digestive system in some way:

Gastric Bypass: This technique prevents food intake and nutrient absorption by bypassing a portion of the small intestine and creating a tiny pouch-like stomach.

Sleeve gastrectomy: A sleeve-shaped stomach that limits food intake is left behind after a significant section of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastroscopy.

Adjustable Gastric Banding: This technique restricts the amount of food consumed by wrapping a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch known as an Adjustable Gastric Banding or lap band.

Most patients experience a loss of between 50% and 70% of their excess weight within a year or two of bariatric surgery. However, this varies from patient to patient, depending on factors such as metabolism, lifestyle changes, and the surgery performed. After one year, weight loss tends to slow down; therefore, continuing healthy practices and annual check-ups are critical for long-term success.

Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and, in some cases, medical care or bariatric surgery can all help manage obesity, which can be a lifelong condition. Although it cannot be totally "cured," durability depends on making these adjustments to avoid weight gain and improve overall health.

Yes, bariatric surgery is available at many reputable hospitals throughout the United Arab Emirates by physicians who are experts in weight-loss methods such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.