Novo Nordisk is more dedicated on treating obesity in the Philippines

“We are entering a new era in obesity care in the country. One that is grounded in science, compassion, and long-term solutions. For many years, people living with obesity have been left with limited options and significant stigma. Today, with advancements in treatments that work with the body’s natural systems, we could transform outcomes for patients across the Philippines. Patient safety must always come first. We strongly advise against the use of unapproved or compounded alternatives that bypass strict regulatory processes. These products may pose serious health risks and do not offer the same assurance of safety and effectiveness as approved medicines.” ~Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines

Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare business with over 100 years of scientific leadership in obesity and diabetes care, is reinforcing its commitment to developing care for obese individuals in the Philippines, as a new generation of therapies is about to reach Filipino patients.

At the heart of this progress are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate hunger and blood sugar. These treatments help people feel fuller for longer, lower cravings, and better manage their appetites, all while improving blood sugar management for diabetics.

This dual benefit signifies a significant shift in the perception of obesity and related conditions from problems of willpower to chronic illnesses that need medical intervention.

The introduction of GLP-1-based treatments is one of the biggest advancements in metabolic health in recent years. These drugs have demonstrated notable and sustained weight loss over time in clinical trials, bringing the effectiveness of treating obesity closer to that of less invasive surgical techniques. 

GLP-1 RA medications, according to the National Library of Medicine, have revolutionized weight loss and can, on average, reduce body weight in obese individuals by 15% to 25% within a year. They function by mimicking the natural intestinal hormone GLP-1, which regulates glucose metabolism and satiety.

This evolution reflects decades of research into the biology of hunger, hormones, and weight regulation, culminating in therapies that address the root causes of obesity.

Patient safety

As these advancements become more accessible, Novo Nordisk emphasizes the importance of patient safety and appropriate medical care. Patients are advised by the corporation to consult with qualified healthcare professionals and to use only approved, controlled drugs. 

The demand for weight management treatments has increased globally, leading to a surge in compounded or unregulated versions that may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

Beyond the availability of treatments, Novo Nordisk's initiatives in the Philippines focus on increasing access to safe, evidence-based care, educating healthcare professionals about obesity as a chronic illness, and promoting awareness of the condition.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark and has been existing in the Philippines for more than 25 years. Our purpose is to drive change in defeating serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 76,300 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Philippines, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.