Abu Dhabi launches 24-week program to help UAE nationals reduce chronic disease risks

Abu Dhabi has launched a 24-week program to help eligible UAE nationals adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce health risks before they develop into chronic conditions.

Known as the Lifestyle Improvement Program, it will provide personalized support across nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental wellbeing, stress management and social wellbeing.

Offered at the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD) the program begins with a clinical evaluation, health tests, a body composition assessment and wearable device setup. Each participant then receives a health plan based on their results, lifestyle and personal goals.

Doctors, dietitians, health coaches, exercise specialists and nurses will support participants through in-person and virtual guidance. Dietitian reviews, coaching and progress tracking will help them work toward their goals over the 24 weeks.

“When people understand their own health risks and have the right support, they can make changes that are realistic, personal and sustainable,” said Dr. Nicole Sirotin, CEO of IHLAD.

At the end of the program, participants will undergo a final assessment and receive a long-term health management plan to help them maintain the habits they have developed.

Developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the initiative builds on the emirate’s IFHAS screening program, which aims to help participants move from identifying health risks to making daily changes that address them.

The program will also focus on how those changes affect risk factors for chronic conditions. Its findings could inform future prevention programs across the emirate.

“We are committed to helping people to take proactive steps to protect their health before risk factors develop into chronic conditions,” said Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, director general of ADPHC.

He said the findings would provide scientific evidence to support more effective prevention programs that respond to community needs.

The program is open to UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi aged 25 to 50 who hold Thiqa coverage, have a body mass index between 30 and 35, and have completed both the Emirati Genome Programme and IFHAS screening.

Applicants must not be pregnant, enrolled in another lifestyle intervention program, or have used GLP-1 medications in the past three months. Serious medical conditions, recent surgery, or mobility limitations that could affect safe participation may also make applicants ineligible.