Weight Loss Doctor in Dubai: Who to See and What Happens at Your First Appointment
Dr. Hecham Harb
Consultant Endocrinologist & Medical Director
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A weight loss doctor in Dubai is a physician who assesses your weight as a medical condition and can prescribe treatment, including medication. At Endocare, our endocrinologists see patients at our clinic in Dubai Healthcare City. At your first appointment, your endocrinologist will review your medical history and any relevant blood tests, and may recommend further testing. The appointment also includes a physical examination and body composition analysis. Treatment may include medication, nutrition and lifestyle coaching, with monthly follow-ups.
- Doctors who treat weight include endocrinologists, general practitioners with a focus on weight and metabolic health, and bariatric surgeons, who perform weight loss surgery.
- A dietitian or clinical nutritionist can plan your nutrition in detail but does not prescribe weight loss medication.
- If you plan to use health insurance, we recommend checking your policy before you book, because some insurers require a referral or pre-approval.
- The UAE National Health Survey 2017 to 2018 found obesity in 27.8% of adults aged 18 to 69.
- At Endocare, your first appointment with a weight loss doctor takes place in person at our Dubai clinic where possible.
- At Endocare, our endocrinologists typically observe weight loss of three to four kilos a month in patients on a medically supervised programme.
01 What does a weight loss doctor do?
A weight loss doctor is a physician who assesses excess weight as a medical condition and treats it. The World Health Organization fact sheet on obesity describes obesity as a chronic disease. The UAE National Health Survey 2017 to 2018, published by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, found obesity in 27.8% of adults aged 18 to 69.
A weight loss doctor will take your medical history, examine you and review any relevant blood tests. Your doctor will also look for medical factors that can affect weight, because some of them are treatable.
Thyroid disease can affect metabolic rate and make weight management more difficult, but it is treatable once diagnosed. Insulin resistance often accompanies metabolic conditions that can affect weight management. It is also associated with increased waist circumference. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around one in ten women of reproductive age and can influence weight and metabolism. Certain prescription medications can also contribute to weight gain.
Treatment can include a nutrition and activity plan, medication when it is appropriate, and regular follow-up. Our page on obesity treatment describes the options in more detail.
02 Which type of doctor treats weight loss?
Several kinds of clinicians treat weight:
- An endocrinologist, for hormones, metabolism and weight-related conditions
- A general practitioner with a focus on weight and metabolic health
- A bariatric surgeon, for weight loss surgery
- A dietitian or clinical nutritionist, for nutrition
An endocrinologist and a general practitioner with a focus on weight can both assess you, prescribe weight loss medication when it is appropriate and follow your progress. A bariatric surgeon assesses whether weight loss surgery is suitable for you. A dietitian or nutritionist plans your nutrition but does not prescribe medication.
Each of these clinicians can be the right starting point, depending on your health and the treatment you need. Our guide on how to choose a weight loss clinic in Dubai sets out the questions to ask before you start treatment.
03 When should you see a doctor about your weight?
Weight loss medication is generally considered for patients with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above when weight-related health conditions are present. Eligibility also depends on the approved use of each medication. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes the same BMI thresholds for adults in its guidance on weight management medications. Your endocrinologist will assess whether medication is appropriate based on your individual health and weight profile. Weight-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
It is worth seeing a doctor before you start any weight loss medication. Patients should not decide by themselves to start a GLP-1 medication. A doctor’s review is critical to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for the individual. Our article on who qualifies for weight loss injections explains the criteria.
Losing weight without trying is a different situation. The NHS advice on unintentional weight loss is to see a GP if you keep losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine.
04 Your first appointment with a weight loss doctor at Endocare
Your first appointment is a full medical assessment, not simply a prescription visit. Your endocrinologist will review your medical history and any relevant blood tests, and assess your weight and metabolic health. They will then discuss whether a GLP-1 medication or another weight loss treatment is the right option for you.
Where possible, your first appointment takes place in person at Endocare’s Dubai clinic, as the physical examination and body composition analysis cannot be completed remotely. At your first appointment, you will also meet our nutrition and coaching team.
Your endocrinologist will review blood tests from the last three months before prescribing. If your results are out of date, the clinic can arrange the required tests. If they are current, your assessment and prescription can usually be completed at your first appointment.
05 Who you will see at Endocare in Dubai
At our clinic in Dubai Healthcare City, your treatment is led by our endocrinologists. Our Medical Director, Dr Hecham Harb, is a Consultant Endocrinologist with more than 20 years of international experience.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and holds a specialty certificate in endocrinology and diabetes from the Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom. He also completed an honorary fellowship in obesity and weight control at Austin Health in Melbourne.
Endocare’s lifestyle coaches and our clinical nutritionist work alongside our doctors on nutrition, movement, sleep and stress. Our page on Endocare’s care team introduces the wider team.
06 How treatment continues after the first appointment
Monthly follow-up appointments can be held in person at the clinic or online. At each follow-up, your endocrinologist will review your progress, any side effects and your treatment plan with you.
At Endocare, body composition analysis is included free of charge at every consultation. Body composition analysis estimates body fat, muscle mass and body water. Repeated measurements help your endocrinologist understand how your body is changing beyond the number on the scale.
A smaller weight loss goal does not automatically mean medication is needed. For many patients with a smaller weight loss goal, the focus is on a personalised nutrition and activity plan with regular follow-up.
07 FAQ
Do I need a referral to see a weight loss doctor in Dubai?
No. In the UAE, you can see an endocrinologist directly, with no GP referral needed, for concerns related to hormones, weight, metabolism or blood sugar. If you plan to use health insurance, we recommend checking your policy before you book, because some insurers require a referral or pre-approval.
Can a weight loss doctor prescribe Mounjaro or Wegovy?
Yes, when the medication is appropriate for you. A doctor can prescribe Mounjaro or the Wegovy injection after assessing whether it is suitable. Both are prescription medications in the UAE. Foundayo, a once-daily tablet, is another option your doctor may discuss. Our page on weight loss injections in Dubai explains how treatment starts at our clinic.
Does a weight loss doctor only prescribe medication?
No. Medication is one option among several. Your doctor will also review your nutrition, activity, sleep and any medical conditions that can affect your weight.
Do I need blood tests before my first appointment?
No. If you have blood tests from the last three months, your endocrinologist will review them. If you do not, the clinic can arrange the tests your endocrinologist needs before prescribing any medication.
Can my first appointment with a weight loss doctor be online?
Online is possible, but we recommend that your first appointment takes place in person at our Dubai clinic. It includes a physical examination and body composition analysis, which cannot be completed remotely.
What happens if weight loss treatment is not suitable for me?
Your endocrinologist will explain the reason and discuss the options that remain. These can include a personalised nutrition and activity plan, or treatment for a medical condition that affects your weight.
At our Dubai clinic, your endocrinologist will assess you, review your blood tests and discuss the treatment options with you. Our Dubai clinic is located in Building 27, Block B, Unit 504 B, Dubai Healthcare City. Opening hours are Sunday 10:00-20:00, Monday 08:30-18:30, and Tuesday to Thursday 10:00-20:00. The clinic is closed on Fridays.
You can book a weight loss consultation on +971 4 285 3885 or send us a message on WhatsApp. Our consultation fees are listed on our pricing page. Our medical weight loss clinic in Dubai page describes the clinic.
Book Your Consultation
- Specialist consultation
- Personalized Coaching
- Body Composition Analysis