Weight-loss medicine must be paired with lifestyle changes, UAE obesity expert says
GLP-1 weight-loss medicines such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have transformed obesity treatment in the UAE, but they should be combined with lasting lifestyle changes, a leading UAE health adviser has said. Experts at the three-day Dubai International Pharma and Technologies conference described the transformative impact of GLP-1 drugs in the UAE, which suppress hunger hormones. Dr Mohammad Fityan,…
Dr Mohammad Fityan, a prominent health adviser in the UAE, has emphasized that GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to effectively combat obesity. Speaking at the Dubai International Pharma and Technologies conference, Dr Fityan stressed that these medications can provide only about half of the solution, with the remaining portion relying on the patient's commitment to healthier habits.
He explained that GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite, helping individuals feel fuller for longer periods of time. However, Dr Fityan stressed that patients who combine medication with lifestyle changes are more likely to lose and maintain their weight. "If they change their lifestyle, they will lose weight and maintain that weight loss.
Otherwise, this will not work," he stated. Integrating lifestyle changes with weight-loss medication can not only reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues but also potentially reverse Type 2 diabetes. Some insurance providers in the UAE are even linking reimbursement for obesity treatment to patients meeting specific physical activity targets, such as walking 10,000 steps per day, as monitored through electronic medical records.
Dr Fityan also highlighted the importance of sleep and work patterns as part of a comprehensive approach to lifestyle changes. He believes that while pharmacotherapy offers a crucial part of the solution, the most significant impact ultimately depends on the patient's willingness to make lasting lifestyle adjustments. According to a report by Whiteshield and Eli Lilly, taking 1.2 million people in the UAE out of the obesity category could potentially extend their healthy lifespan by 6.8 years.
An accelerated weight-loss program in the UAE could help reduce obesity rates from around 32% to the global average of 18%, which would also free up approximately $1.5 billion in health expenditure for treating chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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