Gastric mucosal ablation has been introduced at a Dubai hospital as a minimally invasive obesity treatment designed to reduce hunger without bariatric surgery or long-term weight-loss medication.
DUBAI: A new endoscopic weight-loss treatment has been introduced in the UAE, offering people living with obesity another potential option between medication and conventional bariatric surgery.
Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai has introduced gastric mucosal ablation using the Moviva system, with the hospital saying five patients have undergone the treatment. The procedure is performed through the mouth using an endoscope and does not require surgical incisions or permanent anatomical changes to the stomach.
The treatment targets the gastric fundus, an upper section of the stomach associated with production of ghrelin, a hormone involved in hunger. Using controlled thermal ablation, doctors treat the stomach’s mucosal lining with the aim of reducing hunger signals and helping patients feel satisfied for longer.
According to Medcare, patients undergoing the procedure are also supported with medical supervision, nutritional planning and lifestyle guidance rather than relying on the intervention as a standalone weight-loss solution.
Professor Dr Mohamed Abdelhafez, Consultant Gastroenterology at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, said: “Moviva addresses the biological drivers of weight gain rather than simply restricting food intake. Patients feel fuller for longer, which supports sustainable lifestyle changes without the risks associated with surgery.”
The hospital reported substantial weight reductions among several of its early patients. However, these individual results should not be interpreted as evidence that every patient will experience similar weight loss.
Published clinical research into gastric mucosal ablation remains at an early stage. Initial studies have reported reductions in hunger and weight, but larger and longer-term studies are still required to establish its durability, safety and effectiveness across broader patient populations.
A 2026 international expert consensus on the technique described GMA as investigational, noting that available evidence has primarily come from small studies and pilot registries. This makes careful patient selection and specialist medical assessment particularly important.
The treatment may be considered by specialists for some people with obesity, including patients who also have weight-related conditions. Whether it is appropriate depends on an individual’s health, weight, medical history and treatment goals.
Impact to expect
The arrival of gastric mucosal ablation in Dubai could expand the range of specialist obesity treatments available in the UAE. It may particularly interest patients looking for less invasive alternatives, although its longer-term role will depend on stronger clinical evidence and continued monitoring of outcomes.
