Abu Dhabi: Eman Abdul Atti is still bedridden, but the Egyptian once dubbed the “world’s heaviest woman” is finally able to raise her hand for the first time in more than two decades.

Doctors at the Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi said there has been significant improvement in the 36-year-old patient’s condition since her arrival in the capital on May 4.

“We prioritised urgent issues, including her psychological wellbeing, the bedsores and the persistent fever she was running. There has been marvellous improvement in her psychological status and bedsores, and her kidney function has improved,” said Dr Yassin Al Shahat, chief medical officer at the hospital.

“A panel of advanced genetic workup has also been sent to Germany for possible detection of any genetic disorder that may explain her condition and which might help in managing her obesity,” he added.

Abdul Atti’s plight first received public attention when her family posted a desperate plea for help online to Egyptian president Abdul Fattah Al Sissi. Her family claimed that Abdul Atti suffers from elephantiasis, a parasitic infection that leads to extreme swelling in the arms and legs, and had become confined to bed after suffering a stroke at about 12 years of age.

In February, Abdul Atti was finally flown to a Mumbai–based hospital, where she underwent bariatric surgery in March. Reports from the hospital claimed her weight reduced from 500kg to 176kg. But a dispute about her weight loss and subsequent treatment led Abdul Atti’s family to reach out to Burjeel Hospital, which had also offered to treat her.

As reported by Gulf News last week, doctors at Burjeel said Abdul Atti’s rehabilitation was their primary goal, including eventually having her sit up.

Dr El Shahat, who is leading Abdul Atti’s treatment, said that radiological studies of her pelvis and limbs have revealed advanced deformities in her hip and knee joints. There is also severe leaking of the aorta, a major heart vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the body.

“We have started on conservative treatment with possible valve replacement as part of the long-term plan. Further reduction of weight is planned through a strict diet and possible surgical intervention may be a part of the long-term plan,” the doctor added.

Shaima Selim, 34, Abdul Atti’s sister, also told Gulf News recently that the family was very grateful for the privacy and respect provided to the patient in the UAE.

Abdul Atti’s short-term treatment, which will focus on rehabilitation, the management of pressing medical issues, and the reintroduction of oral feeding, is expected to take about six months.