Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In a significant achievement, the bariatric surgery program at Cleveland Abu Dhabi Clinic, affiliated with M42, has successfully completed over 3,200 procedures since its inception in 2017. With global obesity rates on the rise, nearly tripling over the past 50 years, bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as an effective long-term solution for individuals struggling with obesity when other weight loss methods have proven ineffective.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide are currently obese, while the UAE National Health Survey 2017-18 revealed that 27% of respondents were obese, with the highest prevalence observed among the 30-44 age group.
While numerous weight loss options exist today, maintaining a healthy weight following bariatric surgery is acknowledged as a challenge. Nonetheless, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s bariatric surgery program aims to provide enduring solutions for those seeking substantial weight loss. Moreover, this surgical approach offers a multitude of transformative health benefits, including alleviation of type 2 diabetes, improved cardiovascular health, relief from depression, diminished joint pain, and enhanced fertility.
The milestone of surpassing 3,200 completed procedures by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi signifies its commitment to clinical excellence in advancing bariatric surgery as a successful treatment option for obesity and associated comorbidities.
Dr. Javed Raza, Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Attending Physician at the Institute of Digestive Diseases at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, stated, “The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, affecting vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, and reproductive system, leading to various health complications. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, different forms of cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea, all of which significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.”