Government | Thursday 23 July, 2015 12:54 am |

In a move to challenge the spread of obesity, the Abu Dhabi Police have launched a weight care clinic at the Medical Services Department to provide treatment and to raise awareness regarding the risks related to being overweight. The clinic, equipped with the latest devices to assist the treatment procedures under specialized medical supervision, promotes a healthy diet program and aims to limit the spread of obesity and prevent the diseases that are caused by unhealthy eating behaviors. 

 

“The weight care clinic supports the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police in their keenness to implement the most advanced standards of health care through multifaceted outreach programs,” said Major General Khalil Dawood Badran, director general of Finance and Services at the Abu Dhabi Police. “This initiative aims to maintain the health and safety for every member of society, as this will contribute to strengthening further efforts to enhance the outreach programs within the country. By expanding awareness, we will be able to improve public and community health programs and reduce the risks associated with being overweight, obese, or other unhealthy factors.” 

 

He continued by saying that the awareness efforts of the department’s clinic focus on educating people about the risks associated with being overweight alongside the causes and means of preventing weight gain. “In line with the initiative to raise awareness about health-related issues, the clinic familiarizes the public with the complications that arise when someone is obese alongside providing medical advice for those who suffer from obesity,” said Maj. Gen. Badran. He said that the staff of the weight care clinic urge individuals to avoid unhealthy eating behaviors and provide guidance related to losing weight and avoiding weight gain. 

 

Dr. Ahmad Fathi, internal medicine specialist at the Medical Services Department, spoke about the clinic, saying: “The clinic provides a comprehensive system to treat and provide medical examinations for the patients. The clinic conducts examinations to measure height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and checks for any vitamin deficiencies.”  According to Dr. Fathi, the clinic encourages and motivates patients to lose weight and to commit to a healthy diet under the periodic supervision of dietician who ensures that the patient is complying with the new diet regime. 

 

“The weight care clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including a device that specializes in melting subcutaneous fat,” he said. “This medical device is accredited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and dissolves the fat under the skin that has been absorbed by the lymphatic vessels. This device actually slims the body by targeting areas where fat tends to accumulate, such as the abdomen in men and the buttocks for women.”

 

The device can be used in line with a healthy diet for obese patients wanting to avoid a surgical procedure. Dr. Fathi said that in special cases of extreme obesity where dietary regimes are not as responsive, patients would be referred to centers that specialize in obesity-related surgeries. “Overall, the most important step that you can take for your health and to reduce obesity is to have a healthy diet.” 

 

“There is a link between obesity and many chronic diseases,” said Dr. Fathi as he listed diabetes, high blood pressure, cancers, rheumatism, and increased rates of hyperlipidemia and heart diseases.