Dubai resident feels weight lifted from shoulders after pioneering procedure helps her shed 19kg

A Dubai resident has celebrated a dramatic transformation after undergoing a groundbreaking medical procedure that helped her lose 19 kilograms. Dunia Obaidy, a 44-year-old Iraqi national living in Dubai, had previously exhausted numerous weight-loss strategies, including multiple bariatric surgeries and GLP-1 drug treatments, yet found herself battling persistent weight gain and declining health. Her journey took a new turn when she became one of the first patients in the United Arab Emirates to receive the Moviva gastric mucosal ablation, a novel endoscopic treatment designed to suppress appetite by targeting specific cells in the stomach. Obaidy, who once weighed 133 kilograms, described her struggle with obesity as a lifelong challenge. She consumed up to five large meals daily due to an insatiable appetite, a habit exacerbated by both personal tendencies and a family history of obesity. Despite trying a range of dietary approaches, including the keto diet, carnivore diet, and low-carb regimens, she found little lasting success. Her attempts with bariatric surgery included a gastric sleeve operation, which initially showed promise but ultimately failed to curb her hunger effectively. She then turned to GLP-1 injections, which work by modulating hunger hormones, but the side effects, including nausea and depressive symptoms, prompted her to discontinue the treatment. It was during this period of discouragement that Obaidy learned about the Moviva procedure through specialists at Medcare, a healthcare provider in Dubai. As part of an early trial in the UAE, she was invited to participate in the treatment, which was offered free of charge. The procedure involves using an endoscope to deliver radiofrequency energy to the upper portion of the stomach, destroying ghrelin-producing cells that stimulate hunger. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, which requires abdominal incisions, Moviva is minimally invasive and does not leave visible scarring, a factor particularly appealing to women seeking less disruptive options. Since undergoing the treatment in December, Obaidy has recorded a weight loss of 19 kilograms, bringing her current total down to 70 kilograms. More than just the number on the scale, however, she credits the procedure with restoring her physical vitality and emotional well-being. She reports increased energy levels, improved mood, and a newfound enthusiasm for activities such as exercising and attending the gym. “I’ve never felt this way before,” she remarked. “This isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about reclaiming my life.” Other patients in the UAE who have undergone the procedure have also shared positive outcomes. Three male participants reportedly lost 36 kilograms, 32 kilograms, and 26 kilograms, respectively. These results align with broader trends in the global fight against obesity, where GLP-1 drugs have gained traction as a popular alternative to surgical interventions. In the UAE, where approximately 28 to 36 percent of the population is classified as overweight or obese, the demand for effective and sustainable weight management solutions continues to rise. Despite its growing appeal, GLP-1 therapy is not without controversy. Reports from regulatory bodies in the UK indicate that millions of users have experienced adverse effects, ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to mental health challenges. For Obaidy, the Moviva procedure offers a promising alternative, combining the benefits of pharmacological intervention with the advantages of a non-surgical approach. As she continues to recover, her experience highlights the potential of emerging medical technologies to transform lives affected by chronic obesity.