The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the introduction of a daily oral treatment option for obesity within its Personalised Weight Management Programme, launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC).
The programme integrates medical treatment, behavioural support and continuous digital monitoring, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s approach to enabling access to the latest healthcare innovations. This step aims to support individuals in achieving improved health outcomes and enhancing overall quality of life.
One of the key challenges in obesity management lies in long-term adherence. Access to the latest innovative solutions continues to expand, integrating them into a comprehensive, funded model of care that supports individuals in managing their weight sustainably.
The introduction of this daily oral treatment option represents a significant step in reducing barriers often associated with some traditional therapies. By offering a more flexible and convenient alternative, it enhances adherence and continuity of care, enabling individuals to stay on track with their treatment plans with greater confidence.
Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: “This step reflects Abu Dhabi’s approach to advancing integrated models of care, where treatment is part of a continuous, patient-centred journey that addresses real-life challenges that patients face every day, that respond to the everyday challenges individuals face, particularly adherence difficulties. Through expanding access to the latest innovations, we are strengthening health outcomes and advancing sustainable improvements in quality of life.”
The UAE is the second country globally after the United States to approve this treatment for adults living with obesity, or those who are overweight with at least one related condition, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in enabling access to the latest innovative therapies.
As part of the initial rollout, Imperial College London Diabetes & Endocrine Centre (ICLDC) will offer the treatment to eligible patients, through a comprehensive programme integrating digital health monitoring, personalised clinical support and an innovative treatment coverage model, supporting individuals in adopting healthier lifestyles and achieving sustainable outcomes.
The oral daily treatment Foundayo (orforglipron) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It works by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body, helping to regulate appetite and support control over food intake, enabling more effective weight management. Its flexible, easy-to-use format removes many of the lifestyle constraints associated with some treatment options.
H.E. Dr. Rashid Alsuwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “We are focused on designing programmes that address the real challenges individuals face in their weight management journey, particularly adherence and continuity. By understanding the factors that influence health behaviors, we work to reduce barriers, strengthen enablers and provide practical solutions that support individuals in adopting sustainable healthy habits. The integration of a daily oral treatment option within this approach offers greater flexibility, helping individuals stay committed and achieve better long-term outcomes.
The treatment will be covered for adults eligible for the Personalised Weight Management Programme, enhancing access to care and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in delivering integrated models for obesity management focused on sustainable health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Roberta Marinelli, President and General Manager for Eli Lilly, META Hub, said: “Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advancing access to innovative obesity treatments reflects a broader commitment to building a more proactive, patient-centered healthcare system. Lilly is proud to serve as a strategic partner in this journey, working alongside DoH and ADPHC to expand access to evidence-based care. This milestone marks meaningful progress bot only for patients, but also for the future of chronic disease management in the Emirate.”
For more information about the Personalised Weight Management Programme, please visit: https://www.adphc.gov.ae/Public-Health-Programs/Personalised-Weight-Management-Programme
