Most patients seeking non-surgical weight loss solutions at Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) National Obesity Treatment Center can achieve a healthy body weight within six to 12 months of entering a weight loss programme, a consultant at the Qatar Metabolic Institute has said.
"The National Obesity Treatment Center delivers holistic, multidisciplinary care for patients seeing medical and surgical management of obesity and the prevention of weight-related diseases," explained Dr Marwa Gomaa Hussein Mokhtar.
Since opening, over 4,700 patients have benefited from the services of the Center, located in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City. Patients are normally referred to the National Obesity Treatment Center from other HMC outpatient clinics, including the National Diabetes Centers and obstetrics and gynaecology departments, as well as from primary healthcare centers.
Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, dietitians, educators, and physiotherapists, all patients referred to the Center undergo a comprehensive clinical evaluation in advance of a personalised weight loss treatment plan being developed.
According to Dr Mokhtar, not all patients are candidates for surgical weight loss procedures and some patients who do meet the clinical standards that qualify them for surgical weight loss choose a non-surgical solution. She says that while all weight loss programmes offered at the National Obesity Treatment Center emphasise lifestyle modifications, highlighting adjustments to the types and quantities of foods consumed and the incorporation of physical activity goals, patients who seek non-surgical solutions tend to need extra support with setting realistic goals.
“For some individuals, weight loss is essential to avoid or manage chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure. The longer a person is obese, the more significant obesity-related risk factors become. Having a BMI equal to or greater than 30 is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases,” says Dr Mokhtar.
Each patient seeking treatment at the National Obesity Treatment Center undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment that covers their complete health history, ranging from sleep patterns to hormone health. Dr Mokhtar says considerable time is spent counselling patients about both the importance of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
"Successful non-surgical weight loss programmes are based on a combination of diet, behaviour modification, and regular exercise," she said while adding that prescription medications may also be part of the treatment plan.
