Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine jointly hosted the third session of their Science Café series, focusing on metabolic diseases with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes prevention. The event took place on June 8 at Bin Jelmood House, bringing together a panel of clinicians, researchers, nutrition specialists, and healthcare professionals to discuss current challenges and innovations related to metabolic health.

Participants included Dr. Ammira Akil, principal investigator at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Tariq Chukir, endocrinology consultant at Qatar Metabolic Institute and attending physician at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Hoda Yaseen Azzam, endocrinology attending physician at Sidra Medicine; Dr. Altayeb Abdalaziz, consultant physician and endocrinologist at The View Hospital; Reem bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, director of WHOOP Labs in Doha; and Ghinwa Zoubeir, clinical dietician at The View Hospital.

The session featured an interactive dialogue aimed at exploring lifestyle interventions, emerging therapies, and the integration of technology and precision medicine in managing metabolic conditions. Topics addressed during the discussion included diabetes prevention strategies, nutritional guidance, healthy living habits, childhood obesity, mental health considerations, and the influence of family support on long-term patient outcomes.

Mohammed Al Yousuf, manager of operations and visitor relations at Msheireb Museums, highlighted the success of the collaboration with Sidra Medicine, noting that the Science Café series effectively merges culture, education, and science to tackle health issues impacting local communities. Dr. Sahar Da’as, research manager at Sidra Medicine and lead coordinator of the Science Café initiative, emphasized the session’s focus on lifestyle and prevention, describing the events as a platform to engage the community with a call to collective action against metabolic diseases.

The conversation also underscored the transformative potential of advancements such as precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and digital health technologies in providing personalized care and enhancing disease management outcomes. These innovations represent key tools in addressing the rising global burden of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

For further information about previous and upcoming sessions, attendees are directed to the Sidra Medicine website.