Metabolic/bariatric surgery optimization: a position statement by Arabic Association for the Study of Diabetes and Metabolism (AASD)

By:
Amin Roshdy Soliman, Hesham Magd Eldin Saleem, Amr Abel Hady El Meligi, Mervat Naguib, Rasha Sobh Mohamed, Ghada Rabie Abdelaziz, Maha Rakha, Shereen Abdelghaffar, Abd El Khalek Hamed, Hany Abd El Rahman Saeed Hammad, Eman O Mahmoud, Inass Shaltout
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This position statement outlines best practices for bariatric and metabolic surgery in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It highlights the growing obesity crisis, with over 30% prevalence in Gulf countries, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, and Iraq. The statement stresses the need for standardized guidelines, ethical considerations, and multidisciplinary pre- and postoperative care.

Key findings:

Bariatric surgery is recommended for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related conditions.
Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion are categorized based on restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms.
The lack of standardized protocols in the MENA region increases complications and mortality.
Multidisciplinary care, including psychological support and nutritional guidance, is crucial for long-term success.
The AASD recommends patient-specific approaches to surgery, considering comorbidities, age, and metabolic health.
This statement serves as a guideline for regional policymakers and healthcare providers to improve the safety and efficacy of bariatric procedures.

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