New campaign promoting effective use of bariatric surgery offers free obesity assesment 06.12.2015: Caption: Zulekha Hospital has launched a new bariatric campaign, Obesity Keeps

Caption:    Zulekha Hospital has launched a new bariatric campaign, Obesity Keeps Good Health Away, to help tackle the prevalence of obesity in the UAE.


Zulekha Hospital, a pioneer in UAE healthcare, has launched a new bariatric healthcare campaign to help tackle obesity and outline the risks associated with the condition.


The initiative, ‘Obesity Keeps Good Health Away’, has been developed to encourage UAE residents to arrange consultations and be made aware of the serious, life threatening health issues that obesity can lead to.


From now until 31 December, patients can take advantage of free specialist consultations by Zulekha Hospital bariatric surgeons as well as receive a free obesity assessment.  The campaign forms part of the hospital’s initiative dedicated to promoting good health and fighting obesity across the Emirates. 


Tahir Shams, Managing Director of Zulekha Hospital, said: “Obesity continues to be one of the biggest threats to the health of UAE nationals and residents, which is why our drive to encourage the community to take advantage of the free consultations is so important.  We want patients to know that through the effective use of bariatric surgery, obesity can be overcome.”


The bariatric team at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah treat cases of moderate to severe obesity four to five times a week.  Led by Dr Hussam Al Trabulsi, MD, MRCS, FEBS, Specialized in Advanced Laparoscopy and Bariatric (Obesity) Surgery, patients are helped to significantly lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels and lower their blood pressure. 


The option of surgery helps to prevent the development of future conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.


Dr Al Trabulsi said: “Bariatric surgery has been available at Zulekha Hospital for two years now and in that time, I have completed 180 successful procedures which have had a lasting impact on the lives of our patients. 


“Initiatives such as this bariatric campaign have been created to help drive home the message that obese patients can go on to lead healthy lives.  While we are all encouraged to lead an active lifestyle, the prevalence of obesity and heart-related illnesses in the UAE is still very high.”


Those who wish to take advantage of the free service are invited to call 600 52 4442 for more information


One of the forerunners in UAE healthcare, Zulekha Hospital has earned widespread recognition for service to patients, collecting the Dubai Quality Award twice in the last four years.  The hospital is frequently playing its part towards society and most recently spearheaded a new breast cancer awareness initiative to help reduce the incidence of the disease and save lives across the Emirates.



- Lindsay Johnston, Total Communications Dubai - also photo