Qatar Metabolic Institute
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services for people with obesity through its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care in recognition of World Obesity Day.
The QMI’s National Obesity Treatment Centre (NOTC) and the National Bariatric Centre (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, emphasised 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 individualised 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 centre 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, emphasised the vital role of bariatric medicine as a subspeciality of internal medicine, providing tertiary care for patients with severe morbid obesity and complex metabolic disorders. Bariatric medicine is crucial for optimising 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.”
HMC’s QMI has several innovative programmes, including a specialised adolescent obesity management programme; an integrated wellness programme; 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; and medical weight management for patients with severe morbid obesity.
