Doha: The National Bariatric Center (NBC) of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has earned prestigious recognition as a Collaborating Center for Obesity Management by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). EASO is a federation of professional membership organizations from 38 European countries and accredits specialized obesity management centers worldwide that meet stringent European and academic guidelines.

According to Qatar News Agency, this achievement highlights NBC's dedication to delivering outstanding bariatric care and strengthens its standing as a premier weight management center in the region. Established in 2010, the National Bariatric Center (NBC) stands as a state-of-the-art tertiary center offering comprehensive care for patients with obesity in Qatar. This aligns with HMC's strategic vision of achieving excellence in service delivery and improving patient experience, which is in line with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

The center offers a wide range of services, including bariatric surgery, medical weight management, dietary therapy, and exercise coaching. Performing approximately 10,000 surgeries and treating more than 20,000 patients annually, NBC occupies a role as a regional leader in combating the global obesity epidemic.

HMC's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Abdulla Al Ansari emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive bariatric and obesity management services as a critical investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Qatar. He noted the service's evolution and expansion to meet the community's growing needs, reflecting the importance placed on addressing obesity, a challenge with extensive implications for individuals and the nation.

Director of Qatar Metabolic Institute Prof. Abdul Badi Abou Samra expressed pride in the National Bariatric Center, highlighting its recent integration into the Qatar Metabolic Institute. He described the institute's comprehensive approach to obesity and diabetes through clinical services, research, and education. Prof. Abou Samra also mentioned the National Obesity Treatment Center (NOTC) within the institute, focusing on medical management of obesity, providing a complementary approach to obesity management according to the best standards of care.