As obesity rates climb, Dr Imadeddin Barakat of Danat Al Emarat emphasises the importance of weight management for better health and quality of life
PARTNER CONTENT: With changing lifestyles and dietary habits, weight issues and obesity have begun to increasingly affect both adults and children across the region.
Dr Imadeddin Barakat, Internal Medicine Specialist and Diabetologist at Danat Al Emarat Hospital highlights the importance of addressing obesity proactively.
“Obesity is an international problem,” he says. “People who are overweight are increasing all over the world, more so within the Gulf and Middle East regions. It’s not just about the impact on self-confidence, it’s also about the accompanying critical health issues.”
Weight gain and improper weight management have been linked to numerous health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and even cardiovascular diseases.
For patients facing these issues, Dr Barakat stresses that effective weight management can improve overall health significantly, enhancing mobility and quality of life.
“It can improve the metabolic issues of the patient, improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels, being especially beneficial for patients with diabetes, thyroid issues, etc.,” he explains.
You might also like: INTERVIEW: Dr Hala shares general wellness tips for diabetics in the UAE
Holistic care
At Danat Al Emarat, a comprehensive approach is employed for weight management, combining medical expertise in endocrinology, dietetics, and lifestyle coaching. “We have a full team for managing obesity,” Dr Barakat notes, “including guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.”
“We monitor the condition for three months, moving on to medication if we do not get satisfying results. In the end, we refer them to the surgical department to consider bariatric surgery.”
Following international guidelines, surgery may be recommended for patients with a BMI over 35 or with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI above 30. Managing weight is particularly crucial for patients with conditions like diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and for pregnant women, the doctor highlights.
Dr Barakat also highlights how expectant mothers could immensely benefit from maintaining an ideal body weight from the beginning of pregnancy.
“It can reduce the risk of complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia for a safer journey,” he explains.
For those with diabetes and PCOS, weight loss can reduce symptoms and improve overall metabolic health greatly. Dr Barakat recommends a supportive approach, with families playing a key role.
“The first step is acceptance that there is indeed an issue. We then start working on slowly making changes, including eating better, reducing the calorie intake and being as active as possible. If the patient is younger, they are recommended to go to the gym and get a good amount of exercise in, or at least walk daily.”
Childhood obesity and family awarenessIn the UAE, childhood obesity rates are on the rise. While genetics can predispose individuals to obesity, lifestyle choices often play a crucial role.
“You will find in some families that most members are on the obese side. Of course, genetics is one factor, but the other factor is what we are doing to our bodies,” Dr Barakat states.
Families with a history of obesity should be mindful of their children’s lifestyle and diet, encouraging physical activity and healthy eating from a young age. Danat Al Emarat offers a range of services to support families, from dietary consultations to endocrine assessments.
For children over 12, certain medications may be recommended, however, Dr Barakat stresses the importance of prioritising lifestyle modifications first. From educating families on the importance of balanced diets to encouraging active routines, the goal is to prevent obesity before it begins.
For more information, visit danatalemarat.ae
Follow Yalla for more health and wellness news