Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Obesity is one of Saudi Arabia’s most pressing health challenges. Nearly one in three people living with obesity also face cardiovascular complications. This dual burden affects families, healthcare services, and the economy.
Beyond the Scale Conference in Riyadh
At the “Beyond the Scale” conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Scientific Diabetes Society (SSDS) and the Saudi Society for the Study of Obesity (SSSO), alongside leading healthcare professionals, shared strategies to address obesity.
Speakers emphasized that treatment must go beyond weight reduction. Advanced therapies such as GLP-1 medications not only support weight management but also lower the risks of related complications, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Fatty liver disease
Innovative Therapies Transforming Treatment
“Obesity is a chronic disease with far-reaching consequences. Innovative therapies such as semaglutide are transforming the way we treat it not only as an issue of weight but also as a strategy to prevent serious, life-threatening complications,” said Prof. Abdulrahman Alshaikh, President of the SSDS.
Other participating medical societies echoed this message, reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness, improving education, and ensuring fair access to effective obesity solutions.
The SAHIM Initiative
The event highlighted the SAHIM Initiative, launched by SSDS and SSSO. This program brings together doctors, scientific organizations, and policymakers to reshape how obesity is diagnosed and treated nationwide. Experts described SAHIM as “changing the state of the nation.”
Local Manufacturing and Vision 2030 Alignment
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, global healthcare leader Novo Nordisk announced plans to localize the manufacturing of semaglutide in the Kingdom. This step will strengthen drug security and support the national healthcare transformation agenda.
Saudi Arabia Leading in Obesity Care
Through innovative therapies, collaborative initiatives, and strategic manufacturing, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in obesity treatment and prevention.
