Abu Dhabi's Health Initiative Sees Over 6,500 Participants Achieve Significant Weight Loss

In a remarkable achievement for public health, more than 6,500 individuals in Abu Dhabi have successfully reduced their weight through a government-backed program. Utilizing the latest advancements in medical treatments, some participants have managed to shed as much as 22 percent of their total body weight. On average, individuals enrolled in this personalized weight management program, which offers tailored support, lost 14 percent of their body weight within the first year. This initiative, supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), provides patients with a choice between injectable weight-loss medications and oral pills, with the latter becoming available in May.

The program's primary objective is to enhance the health of participants by mitigating the risks associated with obesity-related chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. In a notable success story, one man reduced his weight from 170kg to 130kg in just a few months, thereby avoiding the need for surgical intervention. Another participant, a woman, successfully transitioned from obesity to a healthy weight range by losing 9kg, after previously facing challenges with her weight.

Personalized treatment plans are a cornerstone of the program, incorporating clinical interventions, nutritional guidance, behavioral support, and consistent medical follow-ups. Dr. Durra Al Blooshi, acting executive director of the community health sector at ADPHC, emphasized the individualized approach taken with each patient to maximize therapeutic 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," stated Dr. Al Blooshi. She added, "As treatment options continue to develop and the programme expands, we continue to empower community members to access more personalised care that contributes to improving quality of life and reducing the risks of chronic diseases."

Weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have significantly altered the landscape of obesity treatment by effectively suppressing appetite and reducing food cravings. The introduction of the oral pill Foundayo by Eli Lilly, alongside the Wegovy pill from Novo Nordisk, has expanded treatment options for patients who may be hesitant to use injectable medications. Oral pills are often preferred for their convenience, as they do not require cold storage.

Research underscores the profound health benefits of weight loss. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity indicates that an average weight loss of 13 percent in individuals with obesity is linked to a 41 percent reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it correlates with a 22 percent decrease in hypertension, a 19 percent reduction in lipid disorders, and a 40 percent decrease in sleep apnoea.

Currently, these medications are accessible at over 54 healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi, with plans to extend services to an additional 15 sites to enhance accessibility throughout the emirate. The program is available to Thiqa cardholders aged 18 and above who are classified as overweight or living with obesity. It provides a comprehensive, personalized health plan that includes early screening, behavioral support, necessary clinical interventions, and long-term follow-up to ensure sustained wellness.

Ongoing research is exploring the next generation of weight-loss drugs, which may offer even greater efficacy in combating obesity. Retatrutide, an experimental drug developed by Eli Lilly, has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. Administered as a weekly injection, this drug targets three key hormones involved in appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and energy metabolism, earning it the nickname “triple G.” Early trial data suggests that patients receiving the highest dosage of retatrutide experienced weight loss between 24 and 28 percent over 80 weeks. Eli Lilly intends to submit an application for US Food and Drug Administration approval in early 2027, with potential market availability in late 2027 or early 2028.