Multidisciplinary Screening and Diagnosis of Obesity Related Diseases: An Arabic Association for the Study of Diabetes and Metabolism Position Statement

August 2025 in “ The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine ”

Amin Roshdy Soliman, Rabab Mahmoud Ahmed, Amr Abel Hady El Meligi, A Gamal Abo-Zeid, Marwa Ahmed Amer, Abeer Atef, Ahmed Yousry, Alia Adel Saleh, Ebtesam Mohamed Fahmy, Wael Makar, Mervat Essam Behiry, Ahmed Fayed, Abd Elkhalek Hamed, Inass Shaltout

TLDR BMI is a simple, cost-effective tool for screening obesity and related diseases.

The position statement by the Arabic Association for the Study of Diabetes and Metabolism (AASD) addresses the increasing prevalence of obesity and its related diseases, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. It emphasizes the importance of using Body Mass Index (BMI) for obesity screening and highlights the complex relationship between obesity and comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and thyroid dysfunction. The document recommends comprehensive screening protocols for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and reproductive health issues in obese individuals. It also discusses the link between obesity and respiratory issues, dermatological conditions, and psychological disorders. The statement calls for multidisciplinary screening and management strategies to improve diagnosis and patient outcomes, while also addressing the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated risks.