Abu Dhabi initiates innovative, tailored weight management program
Title: A Revolutionary Initiative: Transforming Lives through Personalized Weight Management
In an audacious move to revolutionize public health in the UAE, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have teamed up to introduce the Personalized Weight Management Programme. This pioneering initiative is not only the first of its kind in the Middle East, but it also promises to be a game-changer in the management of chronic diseases and the enhancement of lifestyles.
This groundbreaking program, designed for eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above, targets individuals clinically identified as overweight or obese, offering them a comprehensive, tailor-made solution to manage their weight effectively. It combines digital monitoring, personalized clinical support, and an innovative reimbursement model to foster lasting lifestyle changes.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, highlighted that the program is more about health, not just weight. "Our focus is to foster good health rather than just achieving a lower weight. This program aligns with our vision of a proactive, health-conscious community, empowering individuals with personalized and science-backed solutions," she stated.
Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, ADPHC's Director-General, underscored the program's potential to bridge a longstanding gap in healthcare delivery. "Modest weight loss and increased physical activity significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. However, effective referral pathways for physicians to support patients have been absent historically. This program offers the tools needed for individuals to take control of their health," he said.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Tony Terzis, Associate VP Medical at Lilly META, commended the DoH's new Thiqa reimbursement policy for obesity medications, hailing it as a groundbreaking development in the region's healthcare landscape.
"We applaud the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi for this outstanding decision," Terzis said. "This policy represents a paradigm shift. It recognizes the chronic nature of obesity and replaces outdated, superficial approaches with long-term, medically sound strategies."
The UAE's initiative sets a powerful precedent by integrating science-backed obesity treatments into its reimbursement framework, affirming the clinical value and safety of innovative therapies while addressing real-world challenges such as access and stigma.
Terzis also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating health innovation. "At Lilly, collaboration is critical to success. We co-create solutions with policymakers, clinical experts, and regulators, tackling obesity collaboratively to reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases," he noted.
Looking ahead, Lilly envisions expanding its collaboration with Abu Dhabi, capitalizing on the city's progressive infrastructure, policy agility, and commitment to innovation to bring next-generation treatments to life.
"Abu Dhabi is becoming a global hub for healthcare transformation. Its policy agility and commitment to innovation make it an ideal platform for next-generation treatments. Lilly is ready to invest further in clinical research, early disease detection initiatives, and data-driven policy collaborations," Terzis stated.
In essence, the Personalized Weight Management Programme embodies a proactive and personalized approach that combines digital innovation, clinical expertise, and incentives to help eligible overweight or obese adults manage their weight better, improve their health outcomes, and enhance their quality of life. This program signifies the UAE's commitment to fostering a healthier and more active society, one step at a time.
- The Personalized Weight Management Programme, a revolutionary initiative in the UAE, is geared towards enhancing health rather than just achieving weight loss, aligning with the vision of a proactive, health-conscious community.
- The program's potential to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery is significant, as it offers tools for individuals to take control of their health and manage chronic diseases effectively.
- Tony Terzis, Associate VP Medical at Lilly META, commended the DoH's new Thiqa reimbursement policy for obesity medications, stating it represents a paradigm shift, recognizing the chronic nature of obesity and replacing outdated approaches with long-term, medically sound strategies.
- Lilly envisions expanding its collaboration with Abu Dhabi, capitalizing on the city's progressive infrastructure, policy agility, and commitment to innovation, to bring next-generation treatments to life.
- The integration of science-backed obesity treatments into the reimbursement framework by the UAE sets a powerful precedent, affirming the clinical value and safety of innovative therapies while addressing real-world challenges such as access and stigma.
