Doha, 3 March 2025: In recognition of World Obesity Day, the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services for people with obesity through its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. The QMI’s National Obesity Treatment Center (NOTC) and the National Bariatric Center (NBC) provide comprehensive management of obesity medically and surgically, thereby addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges globally.
Dr. Dabia Hamad Al Mohanadi, QMI Director, said: "Obesity is a chronic and complex disease that can significantly impact health and quality of life. It increases the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and even affects bone health and reproduction. It can also interfere with everyday activities like sleeping and moving freely."
Dr. Buthaina Alowinati, NOTC’s Director, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to obesity care: "Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease that requires a personalized, multidisciplinary strategy for effective management. At the NOTC, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients by offering evidence-based treatments and holistic support. Our goal is not only to manage obesity but to empower patients to achieve sustainable health outcomes.”
With more than 20,000 annual patient visits, the NOTC is one of the largest and most advanced obesity treatment facilities in the region, offering holistic, patient-centered care. The center integrates medical, nutritional, and behavioral therapies alongside advanced interventional procedures such as endoscopic treatments and pharmacological interventions.
Dr. Moataz Basha, NBC’s Director, said: “Surgery plays an important role for the management of obesity based on indication and guidelines. Treatment is individualized based on co-morbidity and degree of obesity: surgery would be the preferred approach for a patient with advanced obesity with complications, whereas medical management could be a better choice for other patients”. Annually, around 1,000 patients receive surgical treatment at HMC. NBC provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary care with advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and minimally invasive procedures. Supported by a team of experts, the center ensures exceptional care and integrates research into its practice, advancing obesity treatment and bariatric surgery.
Dr. Wahiba Elhag, Director of the Fellowship Program in Bariatric Medicine, emphasized the vital role of bariatric medicine as a subspecialty of internal medicine, providing tertiary care for patients with severe morbid obesity and complex metabolic disorders. Bariatric medicine is crucial for optimizing and preparing patients for bariatric surgery, as well as offering comprehensive follow-up care after surgery providing both inpatient and outpatient care, "Patients planning bariatric surgery require special attention before and after the procedure to achieve optimal outcomes," said Dr. Elhag. "Follow-up care for at least one year is essential to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies and reduce the risk of weight regain."
As a leading provider of specialist healthcare services for obesity, HMC’s QMI has several innovative programs, including:
- A specialized adolescent obesity management program.
- An integrated wellness program.
- A one-stop multidisciplinary clinic, where patients receive coordinated care from a team of specialists under one roof.
- Preoperative assessment and optimization of bariatric patients
- Post operative bariatric care
- Medical weight management for patients with severe morbid obesity
In addition to its clinical services, the QMI centers, both NOTC and NBC, play a vital role in research, education, and public awareness campaigns, promoting healthier lifestyles and participating in community events to encourage preventive measures against obesity.
With a mission to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and a vision to become an international leader in obesity treatment, the QMI’s centers of excellence, NOTC and NBC, continue to expand services and enhance the care experience for patients. The ongoing dedication to research and staff development ensures that the centers remain at the forefront of innovation in obesity management.
