The prevalence of obesity continues to surge across the world and in the region, with consequent increases in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic complications. For physicians and health systems, the question is no longer if to intervene – but how to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable obesity care that reduces diabetes burden.
At Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, we believe obesity is a treatable chronic disease. Our mission is to provide evidence-based, patient-centred management, combining lifestyle, behavioural support, cutting-edge pharmacotherapy, and seamless integration into regional reimbursement frameworks. The result: better glucose control, weight loss, and long-term metabolic health.
The role of modern obesity medications
In recent years, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and combination therapies (e.g. GLP-1 plus complementary agents), have revolutionised obesity care. These medications help reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity – offering sustained weight loss beyond what lifestyle changes alone typically achieve. In randomised trials, many patients lose 10–15 % (or more) of baseline weight, with corresponding reductions in HbA1c, blood pressure, and lipid abnormalities.
However, the real-world effectiveness depends on proper patient selection, monitoring, dose titration, and integration with nutrition, exercise, and behavioural support. That is why a multidisciplinary obesity pathway is essential – not just prescribing a drug and hoping for the best.
Landmark policy increases access to care
In Abu Dhabi, a landmark policy now allows Thiqa insurance coverage for obesity medications (OMM: obesity management medications) in eligible patients. Under the policy, adult patients with BMI = 30 (with one or more comorbidities) may qualify for reimbursement of GLP-1 agonists or other pharmacotherapies – provided they follow the standard non-surgical management pathway.
This is a transformative shift: it lowers financial barriers and opens access for nationals to best-practice obesity care within the public health framework.
The Thiqa Obesity / Personalised Weight Management Programme
To fully leverage this coverage, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have recently launched a Personalised Weight Management Programme for eligible Thiqa members (age = 18) diagnosed as overweight or obese. This is the first programme of its kind in the region.
Key features include:
- Holistic 360° care: Initial screening (BMI, metabolic assessments), structured behavioural and lifestyle coaching, psychological support, and medical interventions when indicated.
- Digital monitoring and accountability: Participants track progress with mobile tools (such as the ‘Sahatna’ app) to monitor daily activity, weight trends, sleep, stress, and more.
- Reimbursement incentive model: Reimbursement is tied to sustained participation and goal attainment, encouraging adherence.
- Flexible duration: Begins with a structured 16-week core phase but extends beyond a year for individuals needing longer-term support.
For Thiqa cardholders, access to medically indicated obesity medications under the programme is a powerful enabler – it bridges the gap between lifestyle efforts and metabolic risk control.
Real impact on diabetes outcomes
Weight loss of 5–10 % is well known to produce meaningful reductions in HbA1c,
on and access insulin resistance, and even induce remission in early-stage type 2 diabetes. When paired with GLP-1–based therapies, the glycaemic benefits are magnified.
At Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, patients on integrated care and pharmacotherapy routinely achieve sustainable weight loss alongside improved blood glucose control, reduced cardiovascular risk, and enhanced overall wellbeing. Many are able to reduce or even discontinue glucose-lowering medications within months, maintaining results over time.
By positioning obesity as a therapeutic target rather than a lifestyle choice, Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre enables individuals to achieve transformative outcomes – reducing diabetes complications and improving long-term health across the UAE and beyond.
About Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre
Established in 2006 by Mubadala Investment Company in partnership with Imperial College London, the Centre has been a trusted leader in diabetes and endocrine care for nearly two decades. With over 70 specialised professionals across four branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain, the Centre provides world-class care, research, and education to over one million people.
- For more information or to book an appointment, please call 80077 or visit www.icldec.ae
