The 7th UAE Obesity Conference brought together international experts in Abu Dhabi to examine new evidence, technology and clinical approaches in obesity care, underscoring the UAE’s role as a regional leader in tackling chronic disease. The annual meeting, co-chaired by M42’s Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre and Healthpoint, ran from 15–16 November and focused on new guidelines, emerging data and multidisciplinary methods under the theme “Transforming obesity care: the future is now.”

More than 700 healthcare professionals attended the CME-accredited meeting, which was organised with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, World Obesity Federation and Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society. Sessions assessed prevention, innovation and coordinated public health efforts, recognising obesity as a global health challenge affecting more than one billion people.

The conference was opened by Rashid Al Suwaidi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. He said: “Combating obesity and promoting healthy weight management are central to our mission of preventing chronic disease and building a healthier and safer community.” He added that Abu Dhabi’s data-driven health ecosystem is helping to identify high-risk groups and support personalised weight management programmes. “We are pleased to be joined by world experts and local leaders in this conference, as it reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional hub for innovation, evidence-based care, and the advancement of public health,” Al Suwaidi said.

Across two days, co-chairs Mohammed Al Hadad and Sara Suliman moderated discussions on the latest clinical guidelines and practical strategies for improving care pathways. Al Hadad, consultant bariatric surgeon and head of bariatric and metabolic surgery at Healthpoint, said: “This year’s conference highlighted the latest clinical guidelines and evidence that are shaping a new era in obesity management. It’s encouraging to see how these developments are helping us align best practices across the region, ensuring patients receive more precise, preventive, and personalised care that truly improves outcomes and quality of life.”

Suliman, consultant endocrinologist, diabetologist and clinical lead for obesity and bariatrics at ICLDEC, said: “The 7th UAE Obesity Conference has been an invaluable platform for clinicians to exchange knowledge and explore emerging data that’s played a catalytic role in shaping the next era of obesity care. By translating this evidence into practice, we’re continuing to elevate outcomes and strengthen the region’s role in advancing obesity management not only in our region, but worldwide.”

The international faculty included leaders who currently or recently served as presidents of major obesity organisations: Bruno Halpern of the World Obesity Federation, Ricardo Cohen of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, Marc Andre Cornier of The Obesity Society, and Kyoung-Kon Kim of the Asian and Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity. Johanna Ralston, chief executive of the World Obesity Federation, also took part, reflecting the growing scope and visibility of the meeting.

Technology, genomics and precision health featured strongly across the agenda, including a session led by Tiago Magalhaes from M42 on the use of genomics in obesity care. Speakers said these tools are enabling earlier intervention and more personalised approaches while supporting multidisciplinary models that integrate primary care, endocrinology, bariatric surgery, dietetics and behavioural health.

The conference also showcased ongoing collaborations by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and partner organisations to strengthen early intervention and align programmes with international standards. The meeting was CME-accredited and awarded SCOPE points by the World Obesity Federation.

Organisers said the success of the 2025 meeting reflects the shared commitment of ICLDEC and Healthpoint, part of the M42 network, to advancing personalised obesity care and improving quality of life for people living with the condition.