Bariatric surgery has gained popularity as a prevalent method for weight loss in Qatar, supported by various local options, as revealed by the Qatar Biobank's research findings. The data from their population-based cohort study suggests a growing trend in the adoption of bariatric surgery for weight loss.
According to the Qatar Biobank's annual report for 2022–2023, responses from 26,280 participants were analyzed, indicating that 12% (3,169) of the total participants had undergone bariatric surgery. Among these individuals, 15% (1,949) were women, and 9% (1,220) were men, with the majority opting for sleeve gastrectomy.
Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery are common bariatric procedures, involving the reduction of the stomach to about 25% of its original size through surgical removal or rerouting of the digestive tract.
Qatar adheres to national guidelines for bariatric surgeries in alignment with international recommendations. The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation, one of the largest centers specializing in obesity treatment and bariatric surgery, delivers integrated, evidence-based medical services at international standards. The center handles 14,500 patient visits annually and conducts 800 to 1000 bariatric surgeries each year, offering not only surgical services but also therapeutic management for obesity-related conditions.
In the Biobank study, 27% (868) of respondents underwent bariatric surgery based on medical advice, while 72% of men (880) and 73% of women (1,421) made personal decisions to undergo the procedure. Notably, the majority of surgeries were performed within Qatar (47% of men and 65% of women), with 41% of men and 24% of women opting for procedures in Arab countries outside the GCC region.
The Qatar Biobank's population-based cohort study, with a goal of recruiting 60,000 Qatari nationals and long-term residents over 18 years old, has so far enlisted 37,000 participants. The 2022-2023 annual report presents data from 30,742 cohort participants, revealing insights into the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
The study indicates that 20% of men (5,975) were categorized as overweight (BMI 25 or more), while 15.5% of women (4,681) fell into the same category. Additionally, 18% of men (5,493) and 23% of women (6,959) were classified as obese (BMI above 30). Those with a BMI between 18.5 and 25 constituted 10.5% of women (3,184) and 11% of men (3,290).
Participants with concerning BMI measurements are referred to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), or the internal medicine clinic at Hamad General Hospital for obesity management. The BMI, derived from weight and height, categorizes individuals as overweight (BMI 25-29.5), obese (BMI 30 or more), or severely obese (BMI 40 or higher).