UAE residents look to weight-loss surgery to fight obesity

Residents looking to address their weight problems are increasingly looking at bariatric surgery as a preferred medical solution, particularly the younger generation suffering from obesity, an expert has said.

Dr Rohit Kumar, leading laparoscopic bariatric surgeon, pointed out that the growing preference has resulted in the increased number of bariatric surgeries in the UAE, which has almost tripled in the last three years.

According to Dr Kumar, more and more people have become aware of the benefits and advantages of bariatric surgery.

This follows a recent report from the International Diabetes Foundation showing that more than 803,900 people in the UAE have been diagnosed with diabetes - representing 19 per cent of the country's total population.

Medical experts have pointed out that weight loss surgery may be a safe treatment option for individuals who are mildly obese or overweight and suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.

"The UAE is one of the countries with the highest proportion of people suffering from obesity. People must be made aware that diseases related to obesity can be avoided by losing weight."

A recent study done by the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that most participants that underwent bariatric surgery had a reversal of a number of obesity-related health problems.

"Bariatric surgery for the young or adolescents is being touted as a highly recommended solution to defeat obesity. Diabetes, also, for example, can almost completely go away after weight loss surgery. Still the long-term success rates of any bariatric surgery procedure rely heavily on the patient committing to changing their lifestyle and eating habits," concluded Kumar.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com