Abu Dhabi launches a personalized weight management program

In a region where rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions are climbing fast, Abu Dhabi has just tossed its hat into the ring with something fresh — and personal. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), in tandem with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), has unveiled a first-of-its-kind Personalised Weight Management Programme. But this isn't just another diet app or gym discount — it's a full-bodied initiative rooted in science, tech, and a dash of behavioral economics.

As Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi put it, "Our focus is on health - not just weight." That one-liner cuts straight to the heart of it. This programme isn't about vanity metrics. It's about reshaping how the Emirate tackles long-term health — literally and figuratively.

How does it work?

So, what's the secret sauce? It's a smart blend of:

• Digital tools for real-time tracking and monitoring
• Personalised clinical support tailored to each participant
• An inventive reimbursement model that rewards engagement — not just results

The programme is currently open to Thiqa members aged 18 and above who are flagged as overweight or obese. Once enrolled, participants receive individualized health plans and continuous guidance from professionals. But here's the kicker: there's financial incentive baked into the process. That means those who stay on course don't just lose weight — they gain real rewards.

Dr. Rashid Obaid Al Suwaidi highlighted what sets this apart: "Our programme... provides structured guidance, personalised activity plans, and continuous monitoring support." No more guesswork. Just real tools in real hands.

Why does it matter?

Let's not sugarcoat it — chronic illnesses are draining both lives and healthcare systems. Abu Dhabi's move is a proactive jab at the root causes.

• Even modest weight loss and a bit more movement can slice chronic disease risk dramatically
• The programme is about empowering, not policing — giving folks tools instead of lectures
• By linking patients directly with digital and clinical support, it finally bridges the gap between prescription and action

This isn't about fixing a number on the scale. It's about giving people a better shot at living longer, healthier lives — and doing so in a way that respects individuality. Or as Dr. Al Ghaithi emphasized, "Weight management requires tailored solutions, not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach."

The context

The programme arrives at a time when the Gulf region faces a health reckoning. Obesity rates are among the highest globally, and lifestyle-related diseases are eating into life expectancy and national health budgets alike.

For years, there's been a disconnect: doctors knew what patients needed, but there weren't clear systems in place to help them get there. This initiative changes that. It's a structured roadmap where before there was mostly just fog.

In many ways, Abu Dhabi is making a bet: that empowering individuals with the right mix of tech, support, and motivation will lead to real, lasting change. And given the rising cost of chronic disease — not just in dirhams, but in human potential — it's a gamble that couldn't come at a better time.