Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre launch Personalised Weight Management Programme, first of its kind in Middle East

20 June 2025 11:29
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) have launched a new Personalised Weight Management Programme, integrating digital monitoring, a unique reimbursement model, and tailored clinical support.The programme, which is the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East, promotes sustainable weight management and active living to significantly reduce the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life and health longevity.Open to eligible Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are clinically identified as overweight or obese, the programme features an innovative reimbursement model designed to encourage sustained engagement, accountability, and continuous active participation.Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions. Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this programme ensures each participant receives precisely what they need to succeed.'The programme provides eligible individuals with a comprehensive, personalised 360-degree health plan that includes early screening, behavioural health support, clinical interventions if medically indicated, and ongoing long-term support to ensure sustainable results.These plans could include early screening with initial health assessments, including BMI checks and metabolic evaluations, to proactively identify risks. The programme begins with personalised behavioural and lifestyle support, featuring an initial 16-week plan, extendable beyond a year, to offer tailored behavioural, lifestyle, and medical support based on each participant's needs.It includes individual coaching, nutritional and physical activity guidance, and regular follow-ups, with progress tracked via the Sahatna digital health app, clinical interventions (if medically indicated) with access to medications, under medical supervision ensuring safe and effective care and long-term support with structured follow-up plans with ongoing nutritional guidance, regular monitoring of health indicators and activity, and clear, medically supervised strategies for safely transitioning individuals off clinical treatments to maintain sustainable outcomes.Abu Dhabi's Sahatna app serves as the dedicated digital health platform, empowering participants, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, to track comprehensive health indicators beyond weight, including physical activity, heart health, sleep, and stress levels, to foster lasting positive changes.Dr Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said: 'We know that even moderate weight loss and modest increases in physical activity significantly lower chronic disease risk. Traditionally, healthcare systems have lacked clear pathways for doctors to support patients in becoming physically active or to effectively link them with supportive services. Our programme directly addresses this gap by providing structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support through digital tools and clinical oversight - empowering our community to proactively manage their health and enhance their quality of life.'Eligible Thiqa members can begin their journey by booking an initial consultation at their local primary care centre, where a dedicated healthcare provider will guide them through every step of their personalised health plan. All participants, irrespective of past experiences or challenges, are encouraged to take this important first step toward improved weight management and long-term health.
This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to personalised, preventive health solutions that improve individual wellbeing and community health.

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