Precision Lifestyle Medicine Program for IFHAS Participants

This study is a prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a precision lifestyle medicine program in improving cardiometabolic health among Emirati adults with obesity. The study also aims to use data collected through the IFHAS screening program to better understand the current health status, disease risk profiles (pathophenotypes), and associations between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases within the Emirati population.

A total of 150 eligible participants will be enrolled to receive an individualized precision lifestyle medicine intervention. Their outcomes will be compared with those of 150 propensity score-matched individuals selected from the IFHAS database who receive standard IFHAS care. The intervention is designed to provide personalized lifestyle recommendations based on each participant's clinical characteristics and health profile.

Eligible participants are Emirati adults aged 25 to 50 years who reside in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 35 kg/m², are Thiqa cardholders, have completed at least one IFHAS screening, are enrolled in the Emirati Genome Programme, and are able to provide informed consent. Individuals receiving weight-loss medications, those with certain medical conditions or physical limitations that may interfere with participation, pregnant women, and individuals enrolled in other lifestyle intervention programs are excluded.

Recruitment will occur on a rolling basis until the target sample size of 150 participants is reached. Each participant will be involved in the study for approximately 24 weeks, including an 18-week precision lifestyle medicine intervention and follow-up assessments.

The primary objectives of the study are to:

• Use IFHAS screening data to stratify health risks, characterize the current health status and pathophenotypes of the Emirati population, and examine associations between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases.
• Design and implement a precision lifestyle medicine program for eligible participants.
• Evaluate changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers following completion of the intervention.

The secondary objectives are to:

• Assess participants' adherence to the recommended lifestyle intervention program.
• Evaluate participants' experiences with the precision lifestyle medicine clinical program.
• Establish a structured biomarker repository to support future exploratory and hypothesis-generating research.

Study assessments will include measurements of cardiometabolic biomarkers before and after the intervention. Participants may also undergo additional clinical assessments and complete questionnaires related to adherence and their experience with the intervention program. Biological samples collected during the study will contribute to the development of a biomarker repository for future research, in accordance with applicable ethical and regulatory requirements.

The study will be conducted in accordance with the Department of Health (DoH)-approved protocol, the Declaration of Helsinki, the International Council for Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines, and all applicable national laws and regulations

Inclusion criteria

• Emiratis residing in Abu Dhabi emirate
• Aged 25-50 years
• BMI 30-35 kg/m²
• Thiqa cardholder
• Previous participation in IFHAS screening
• Able to provide informed consent
• Participant in the Emirati Genome Programme
• No weight-loss medications (e.g., Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy) within 3 months of enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

• Aged under 25 years or over 50 years of age
• BMI range under 30 kg/m2 and over 35 kg/m2
• Taking weight loss medication such as GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy)
• Active treatment for serious medical conditions (cancer, planned surgery, immunomodulation)
• Transplant surgery within 12 months
• Pregnancy
• Surgery within 3 months prior to recruitment
• Physical limitations preventing exercise participation
• Current enrolment in other lifestyle intervention programs
• Active psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairment, or mental health conditions affecting study participation
• Contraindication to MRI or DEXA imaging, including severe claustrophobia or need for sedation.