Doha: With obesity rates rising worldwide, the 4th Qatar International Metabolic and Bariatric Summit (4th QIMBS 2025), hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), addressed the pressing global health challenge.
According to Qatar News Agency, the summit convened leading global and local experts, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore cutting-edge solutions for obesity management and its associated complications.
Chaired by Dr. Moataz Bashah, Director of the National Bariatric Center at HMC, the summit served as a crucial prelude to the World Obesity Day 2025 Global Campaign. This year’s program spotlighted innovations in bariatric surgery, medical weight management, diet and lifestyle, and addressed the medical and surgical management of obesity in children and adolescents, featuring a dedicated panel discussion with leading experts.
Dr. Moataz Bashah, Conference Chair, stated: “The 4th QIMBS 2025 was not just a conference; it was a call to action. We worked together to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and implement effective strategies to address the growing obesity challenge, both locally and globally. This summit showcased the latest advancements and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue to drive real change.” Obesity is a significant global health crisis, linked to a range of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and premature death. It also places a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
In Qatar, according to the recent Stepwise Report 2023 published by the Ministry of Public Health, over 70 percent of the population is affected by obesity. The 4th QIMBS 2025 underscored the importance of collaborative global efforts to combat this epidemic and improve the health and well-being of individuals affected by obesity.
They were joined by a prominent faculty of local speakers and moderators from Qatar’s leading institutions, including the National Bariatric Center and National Obesity Treatment Center from the Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation.
The summit delved into a wide range of topics including advances in bariatric surgery, such as magnetic bipartition, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures; innovative surgical techniques and medical management of the treatment of obesity; and the role of medication and lifestyle changes in weight management.
Prof. Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee and a member of the Qatar Metabolic Institute at HMC, said: “Obesity is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. The QMI is committed to supporting initiatives like the 4th QIMBS 2025 that brought together world-renowned experts to share best practices and advance our understanding of obesity prevention and treatment.”