UAE: Can bariatric surgery treat obesity? Specialist weigh in on the long-term solution

UAE: Can bariatric surgery treat obesity? Specialist weigh in on the long-term solution

UAE - Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective and long-term solutions to treat obesity and related chronic conditions, said a specialist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Over one billion people worldwide are obese, and the World Health Organisation estimates that by 2025, approximately 167 million people – adults and children – will become obese or considered overweight. The UAE National Health Survey Report 2017-18 indicated that 27 per cent of respondents were obese, with the highest prevalence in the 30-44 age group. “The prevalence of obesity is on the rise. It impacts vital organs such as the kidneys, heart and reproductive system, leading to various health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea. These all significantly impact a patient’s quality of life,” Dr Javed Raza, director of metabolic and bariatric surgery and staff physician in the Digestive Disease Institute at CCAD, said. As obesity levels continue to rise worldwide, having nearly tripled in the last 50 years, bariatric surgery is increasingly seen as a successful, long-term solution for obese patients who haven’t been successful with other weight loss approaches. The hospital has completed over 3,200 surgeries through its bariatric surgery programme since its start in