Treating Obesity Right: Novo Nordisk Introduces Wegovy®

Obesity is no longer just a matter of lifestyle. It is increasingly recognized as a chronic, complex disease that requires science-based solutions. In the Philippines, where obesity rates continue to rise and contribute to the burden of chronic illnesses, Novo Nordisk has launched the Live Lighter movement, alongside the introduction of Wegovy®, a groundbreaking prescription therapy designed to help Filipinos manage obesity with compassion and medical precision.

A Shift in Perspective
For decades, obesity has been framed around willpower and personal responsibility. The Live Lighter movement challenges this outdated narrative, calling for a shift toward understanding obesity as a disease influenced by biology, environment, and other underlying factors.

“We have studied obesity not as a lifestyle issue, but as a chronic disease,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “Through Live Lighter, we aim to help Filipinos treat obesity right with science, compassion, and the support they deserve.”

Introducing Wegovy®
At the heart of this initiative is Wegovy®, a therapy based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This treatment works with the body’s biology to regulate appetite, energy intake, and metabolic processes, offering patients a more holistic and medically guided path to health.

Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, head of Clinical, Medical, Regulatory & Pharmacovigilance at Novo Nordisk Philippines, emphasized that obesity often requires long-term management beyond diet and exercise. “Advancements like Wegovy® allow us to address the biological drivers of the disease, giving patients a more realistic and sustainable path toward better health,” she noted.

From Stigma to Science
By treating obesity as a disease, healthcare providers can intervene earlier, deliver more comprehensive care, and improve long-term outcomes. The Live Lighter movement brings together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and industry partners to promote a compassionate, evidence-based approach, one that centers on patient realities rather than stigma.

“Addressing obesity requires more than awareness. It requires a shift in mindset across healthcare, policy, and society,” said Anand Shetty, Vice President for Novo Nordisk Business Area Southeast Asia. “With Live Lighter, we are working to move from stigma to science, and from fragmented efforts to a more coordinated, patient-centered approach.”

A Growing Public Health Priority
The urgency is clear. Findings from the EpiCOb-PH study estimate that obesity costs the Philippine economy approximately ₱1.9 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 7.3% of GDP. With obesity linked to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, the need for structured, science-based interventions has never been greater.

The Live Lighter movement underscores the importance of collective action, improving public understanding, reducing stigma, strengthening healthcare systems, and expanding access to care. By introducing Wegovy® and advocating for a new narrative around obesity, Novo Nordisk aims to empower Filipinos to take control of their health in a sustainable, medically guided way.

As Wei Sun concluded, “This is not just about weight loss. It is about changing lives for individuals, families, and communities.”