The “Building National Capacity for the Management of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity” programme, delivered by the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), is a leading initiative aimed at developing the healthcare workforce and strengthening integrated care for obesity prevention and management in Qatar. The programme seeks to support the national health system by building healthcare professionals’ capacity to identify and manage obesity in children and adolescents at an early stage through an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach.

The programme was developed jointly by the Qatar Metabolic Institute, the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation, in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy and the national action plan addressing obesity, diabetes and risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. It is the first multidisciplinary training programme of its kind in the region to be accredited for continuing professional development (CPD), combining theoretical learning, online training and practical clinical training at QMI’s centres of excellence.

The programme is designed for physicians, nutrition specialists and health educators, with particular emphasis on childhood and adolescent obesity as a major health priority. It covers a range of topics, including the biological and behavioural factors associated with obesity, nutritional and behavioural interventions, pharmacotherapy and surgical care, alongside communication skills and patient- and family-centred care. It also includes interactive sessions and real-world experiences that strengthen empathy and deepen understanding of the psychological and social challenges associated with obesity.

The programme follows an integrated training model spanning seven months. It includes in-person workshops, accredited e-learning modules from the World Obesity Federation’s SCOPE programme, and practical clinical training at HMC’s obesity and metabolic surgery centres. It also focuses on strengthening integration across different levels of healthcare and improving referral and follow-up pathways between primary care and specialist services.

The programme has achieved significant outcomes, including training 57 physicians across 31 health centres during its first phase and engaging 50 participants from various healthcare disciplines in its second phase. It has also contributed to a 25–30% reduction in waiting times for specialist obesity services, improved the quality of referrals, and strengthened early intervention for children and adolescents at risk of obesity.

The programme provides a sustainable model that can be scaled up across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By combining capacity-building, multidisciplinary care and the integration of policy with clinical practice, it supports the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity and improves the quality of care provided to children and adolescents.