Moviva debuts at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital

UAE—Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in the UAE has introduced Moviva, a groundbreaking endoscopic procedure that targets the root cause of weight gain by addressing ghrelin, the hormone responsible for triggering hunger signals in the body.

This innovative treatment allows patients to lose weight by regulating their natural hunger responses without requiring surgical incisions or relying on medications and injections that may produce unwanted side effects.

The procedure, which originated in Germany, operates entirely through the mouth and offers a minimally invasive solution for individuals who have struggled with unsuccessful diets yet remain hesitant about undergoing traditional surgical interventions.

This approach provides a sustainable method for weight management that works with the body’s natural biological systems rather than depending on restrictive eating patterns.

Expert leadership in advanced gastroenterology

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdelhafez, a consultant gastroenterologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital and one of the UAE’s most accomplished specialists in his field, previously led the Endoscopy Department at the Technical University of Munich.

Drawing from his extensive experience performing more than 30,000 endoscopic procedures, he explained that hunger extends beyond simple willpower and operates under hormonal influence.

Prof. Dr. Abdelhafez emphasized that this hormonal component explains why many patients face challenges in maintaining their weight loss achievements over extended periods.

He clarified that the technology does not reduce stomach size but instead diminishes the intensity of hunger signals themselves, effectively addressing the fundamental biological mechanisms that contribute to weight gain.

How the procedure works

The Moviva technique differs significantly from conventional bariatric surgery, which physically limits stomach capacity through surgical modification.

Instead, this minimally invasive endoscopic method treats the fundus, the upper portion of the stomach where ghrelin production occurs.

By focusing on this specific hunger-producing region, patients naturally experience earlier satiety, consume smaller portions, and notice reduced food cravings.

This biological transformation drives sustainable weight management without forcing patients into severe dietary restrictions.

Proven results and patient outcomes

Three patients who received the treatment at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital successfully lost approximately 10% of their total body weight.

While bariatric surgery delivers positive outcomes for some individuals, its invasive nature, extended recovery periods, and potential long-term complications make it unsuitable for everyone.

This reality has created a significant gap between conservative weight loss methods and surgical options, prompting many patients to seek safer, less invasive alternatives.

This same-day, scar-free procedure fills that void for individuals struggling with weight management, positioning itself between traditional dieting programs and bariatric surgery in the spectrum of obesity treatments.

Dr. Hafez expressed optimism that this pioneering treatment will help address rising obesity rates and associated health complications throughout the region, particularly benefiting patients who have found limited success with conventional diet and exercise programs.

Importance of medical supervision

Dr. Hafez stressed that effective weight management demands medical oversight and personalized care strategies.

He noted that successful outcomes require a customized approach that accounts for individual factors including metabolism, hormonal balance, lifestyle patterns, and consistent follow-up appointments.

Non-surgical interventions like Moviva typically achieve optimal results when integrated into a structured, medically supervised program that prioritizes lasting success over rapid weight reduction.

When combined with complementary treatments, patients can achieve weight loss of approximately 27% of their body weight.

The future of minimally invasive medicine

Prof. Dr. Abdelhafez reflected on the broader implications of this launch, noting that advanced endoscopy represents the future direction of medical treatment.

He described a shift in medical practice away from invasive surgical procedures toward precision-based, organ-preserving interventions whenever possible.

This evolution enables medical professionals to deliver effective results with reduced risks, accelerated recovery times, and enhanced patient experiences.

Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital currently stands as the only facility in the UAE providing this procedure, strengthening its reputation as a pioneer in advanced endoscopy and minimally invasive medical care.

The hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach to weight management that combines gastroenterology expertise with nutritional counseling, lifestyle coaching, and long-term monitoring to ensure patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered support throughout their journey.