'Warning' heart attacks prompt Emirati man to get fit and lose 34kg

Ali Mohamed, who weighed 180kg, embarked on an inspirational weight loss journey to live a better life

Ali Mohamed, 42, an engineer in the oil and gas industry, lost 34kg after doctors told him he had a high risk of having a heart attack. Photo: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

An Emirati man lost 34 kilograms in 14 months after doctors warned him of an impending heart attack.

Ali Mohamed, 42, an engineer in the oil and gas industry, weighed 180kg and had struggled to lose weight since 2011.

He started exercising in the summer of 2020 to shed the kilos but during his workouts, he sweated profusely, complained of feeling uneasy, and felt a burning sensation in his chest.

He first thought it was indigestion but when the symptoms persisted even after six weeks, he went to see a doctor at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

“Ali had all the traditional risk factors for severe heart disease as he was obese, diabetic and a smoker,” said Dr Hani Sabbour, a cardiologist at the hospital.

I feel like a different person. I have cut sugar from my diet and eat very healthily now

Ali Mohamed

“On top of that, he had a strong family history of heart disease and extremely high cholesterol.

“When we ran our tests on Ali, the results were shocking. He was in urgent need of a bypass. The only good news for him was that he had been experiencing ‘warning’ heart attacks that had not damaged his heart muscle.”

Mr Mohamed was advised to go for open-heart surgery as less invasive procedures such as stents would not work. His high cholesterol would block them easily.

“I was shocked and scared when the doctors gave me the news,” he said.

“I was asking myself how this could be at my young age and whether these were my last days in this world.

“I have always tried to lose weight and be healthier but other things got in the way.

Ali Mohamed says he follows his workout routine three times a week without fail. Photo: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

“I spoke to my wife and I decided that from now on, my health would be my number one priority.”

After the surgery in August 2020, Mr Mohamed was put on a strict diet and exercise regime to control his diabetes and lower his cholesterol.

He stopped smoking and started working out three times per week and eating a much healthier diet.

He shed 34kg because of the lifestyle changes and his cholesterol levels dropped by more than 75 per cent.

He also saw significant improvement in his blood pressure and HbA1c – a key indicator of his overall blood sugar control.

“I feel like a different person. I have cut sugar from my diet and eat very healthily now,” Mr Mohamed said.

“I also follow my workout routine three times a week without fail. Now I am trying to encourage my family to do the same.”

Dr Sabbour said the change they have seen in Mr Mohamed has been amazing.

“He demonstrates that with the right motivation and clinical support, the mind really can triumph over matter,” he said.

“He has managed to overcome many hurdles to transform his life for the better. His decision to start exercising and his warning heart attack might have saved his life. Without them, his condition might have progressed even further.”

Foods that help to tackle diabetes – in pictures

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  People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.

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  Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National

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  Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto

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  Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.

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  The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.

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  Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.