Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial medical condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation that increases the risk of serious health complications. In the UAE, obesity prevalence has risen significantly due to sedentary lifestyles, dietary habits, urbanization, and metabolic risk factors. Primary care physicians play a central role in early identification, structured weight management, and long-term metabolic risk reduction.

Obesity is typically assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and metabolic risk profiling. A BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher is categorized as obesity, while central obesity (increased abdominal fat) is particularly associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. In many cases, patients may not initially present with symptoms but seek medical advice for associated conditions such as high blood sugar, joint pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

Family physicians provide comprehensive evaluation, including assessment of dietary habits, physical activity levels, psychological factors, hormonal conditions, and genetic predisposition. Laboratory investigations may include blood glucose levels, lipid profile, liver function tests, thyroid function tests, and vitamin deficiencies.

Management of obesity in primary care focuses on structured lifestyle modification programs. Nutritional counseling emphasizes calorie balance, portion control, reduced processed food intake, and increased fiber consumption. Exercise prescriptions are tailored to patient capacity, often beginning with moderate-intensity aerobic activity combined with resistance training.

Behavioral therapy plays a crucial role in addressing emotional eating, stress-related weight gain, and long-term habit formation. In selected patients, pharmacotherapy may be considered under medical supervision when lifestyle measures alone are insufficient.

Obesity management is not solely about cosmetic outcomes but about reducing long-term health risks. Early intervention significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, joint degeneration, and certain cancers. In severe cases, referral to bariatric specialists may be considered.

In the UAE, workplace wellness programs and preventive screening initiatives increasingly target obesity due to its high burden on healthcare systems. Primary care remains the first line of defense through early counseling and consistent follow-up.

Obesity is a manageable condition with structured, personalized intervention. Through long-term medical guidance, lifestyle support, and metabolic monitoring, primary care physicians help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall health.