Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital has introduced Moviva, the UAE’s first non-surgical and medicine-free endoscopic weight-loss procedure, marking a major breakthrough in obesity management. With this launch, the Dubai-based hospital also becomes the first in the Middle East to offer the innovative German-developed treatment that targets the biological root of appetite rather than reducing stomach size.
Moviva is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure performed entirely through the mouth, requiring no surgery, medication, injections, or external incisions. By focusing on ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger signals, the procedure helps patients naturally feel fuller, eat less, and reduce cravings—without the side effects commonly associated with medication or the risks of bariatric surgery.
Developed in Germany, Moviva offers a new solution for individuals who have struggled with repeated diet failures but are hesitant to undergo invasive surgical procedures. The approach delivers sustainable weight management by working with the body’s natural biological mechanisms rather than relying on restrictive dieting.
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdelhafez, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital and a former Head of Endoscopy at the Technical University of Munich, explained the science behind the procedure. With over 30,000 endoscopic procedures performed, he noted,
“Hunger is not merely a lack of willpower; it is influenced by hormones. With this new technology, we are not shrinking the stomach—we are lowering the volume on hunger itself.”
Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, which physically reduces stomach capacity, Moviva targets the fundus, the upper part of the stomach where ghrelin is produced. By treating this hunger-producing zone, patients experience a natural reduction in appetite, leading to sustainable weight loss driven by biology rather than deprivation.
Early results have been encouraging. Three patients who underwent the procedure at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital lost approximately 10% of their total body weight. When combined with complementary treatments under medical supervision, patients may achieve up to 27% total body weight reduction, according to clinical observations.
As a same-day, scar-free solution, Moviva fills the gap between conventional dieting and bariatric surgery. Prof. Dr. Abdelhafez emphasized the importance of personalized, medically supervised care, stating that long-term success depends on addressing metabolism, hormones, lifestyle, and continuous follow-up rather than rapid weight loss alone.
Reflecting on the broader impact, he added,
“Advanced endoscopy is shaping the future of medicine. We are moving away from invasive surgery toward precision-based, organ-preserving treatments that offer effective results with fewer risks and faster recovery.”
Currently, Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital is the only facility in the UAE offering Moviva, reinforcing its leadership in advanced endoscopy and minimally invasive medicine. The hospital’s multidisciplinary weight management program integrates gastroenterology expertise with nutritional counselling, lifestyle guidance, and long-term follow-up to ensure comprehensive, patient-centred care.
