More than 20,000 annual patient visits at HMC’s obesity treatment centre
Published: 5 March 2025
HMC obesity centre one of the largest in region; Annually, around 1,000 patients receive surgical treatment at HMC
NT Bureau
DOHA: In recognition of World Obesity Day, the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has reiterated its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services for people with obesity through its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care.
The QMI’s National Obesity Treatment Center (NOTC) and the National Bariatric Center (NBC) provide comprehensive management of obesity medically and surgically, thereby addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges globally.
With more than 20,000 annual patient visits, the NOTC is one of the largest and most advanced obesity treatment facilities in the region, offering holistic, patient-centered care. The center integrates medical, nutritional, and behavioral therapies alongside advanced interventional procedures such as endoscopic treatments and pharmacological interventions.
Annually, around 1,000 patients receive surgical treatment at HMC. NBC provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary care with advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and minimally invasive procedures. Supported by a team of experts, the center ensures exceptional care and integrates research into its practice, advancing obesity treatment and bariatric surgery, he noted.
QMI Director, Dr. Dabia Hamad Al Mohanadi said: “Obesity is a chronic and complex disease that can significantly impact health and quality of life. It increases the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and even affects bone health and reproduction. It can also interfere with everyday activities like sleeping and moving freely.”
NOTC’s Director, Dr Buthaina Alowinati emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to obesity care: ” At the NOTC, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients by offering evidence-based treatments and holistic support. Our goal is not only to manage obesity but to empower patients to achieve sustainable health outcomes.”
NBC’s Director, Dr. Moataz Basha said: “Surgery plays an important role for the management of obesity based on indication and guidelines. Treatment is individualized based on co-morbidity and degree of obesity: surgery would be the preferred approach for a patient with advanced obesity with complications, whereas medical management could be a better choice for other patients”.
