Qatar has some of the highest levels of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes mellitus in the region” Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) said.

“With the high prevalence of these diseases, it is very likely that our population will suffer from a variety of complications caused by them,” he pointed out.
Dr al-Hamaq was speaking at an event hosted by Novo Nordisk to introduce Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg), a new medication for chronic weight management.
“We support innovation in the medical sector that helps treat these issues in our society,” he added.
According to World Health Organisation, around 72.2% of adults in Qatar are currently overweight, 34% are living with obesity. Many of these people suffer from weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, along with emotional distress and anxiety often associated with this disease.
“Significant clinical benefits and improvements in comorbidities can be seen with a weight reduction of 5-10% of body weight,” said Dr Stephen Atkin, Professor Of Medicine at Weil Cornell Medicine-Qatar and consultant endocrinologist at Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha.