A Founding Framework for Addressing Obesity in Qatar Using Mobile Technologies

This paper develops a founding framework for a comprehensive Obesity Management Program with Technology (OMPwT). There are two main objectives for such a program. namely - a) to trigger weight loss and effective behavioral changes that are reinforced through mobile and online technology support for users (overweight or obese patients) and their mentors (dieticians and clinicians) and b) to leverage technology to support an efficient workflow process and data exchange between users, mentors and the healthcare institution. We wish to do this in a local context of Arab gulf countries and specifically to Qatar. Our research questions are validated in small focus groups of physicians and dieticians. The proposed methodology covers the technological design of a comprehensive system that links all key players of the health ecosystem in a cost effective manner.