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Ashocking 66 per cent of adults in the UAE may be carrying excess weight, according to new research findings. With obesity ballooning in the UAE, a condition that increases the risk for many serious diseases and health conditions including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, many people in the UAE look at opting for weight-loss surgeries as an easy method to lose some weight, says Dr Ahmed M.S.M Marzouk, consultant general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgery, NMC Speciality Hospital Abu Dhabi.

‘The main concern of the patients is to lose weight without resorting to actions like food deprivation and vigorous exercise. Hence, they consider weight loss surgery is the magic wand to their problems.’

Marzouk points out that weight loss surgeries may not be suitable or the right decision for everyone. ‘According to international guidelines, management of obesity and overweight starts with proper diet control and lifestyle modifications including behavioural and psychological support. However, in certain conditions, weight loss surgery is indicated as a solution of management of obesity and related morbidities.

Weight loss surgery nowadays is agreed to be indicated to patients, under certain conditions, who failed to lose weight by conventional methods and their BMI is above 35. Marzouk emphasises that no surgery is without risk and the patient needs to consider several factors including safety and suitability of the surgery. The patient should be given a clear explanation of possible postoperative complications, he says.