A Key Advancement in the Fight Against Obesity and Cardiovascular
Risks for People Living with Overweight
Novo Nordisk today
announced the availability of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) (MAL24126014AZ)
in Malaysia, an adjunct treatment option for adults living with obesity and
overweight who present with at least one weight-related comorbidity. This is
made available against a backdrop of growing health concerns, with recent data
from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealing that nearly
54.4% of Malaysian adults are classified as living with overweight or obesity.1
Obesity is a disease
associated with more than 200 potential health complications, making it a
‘gateway’ disease to serious issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease.2 These conditions significantly
impact an individual's life expectancy and overall quality of
life.2,3
Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4
mg), a once-weekly injectable medication, works by mimicking the natural
hormone GLP-1 released by the gut after eating. This mechanism targets
specific areas in the brain that regulate hunger and cravings, providing a
treatment option for individuals facing difficulty with weight
management4
adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight
management, including weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with an
initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m
in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity e.g. dysglycaemia
(prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia,
obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.5, 6, 7, 8 Wegovy®
living with obesity. In addition, treatment with semaglutide has shown a
greater reduction in fat mass than in lean body mass thereby enabling quality
weight loss.
| Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (M) Sdn.Bhd., delivering his welcome note at the Wegovy® launch event. |
Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia, stated, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to
transforming the healthcare landscape in Malaysia. With Wegovy®, we
are introducing an effective weight loss medication that supports patients in
their health journeys. This innovative treatment aims to redefine our approach
to obesity management and sits at the centre of a broader, long-term strategy:
local clinical research, corporate partnerships, community toolkits, internal
initiatives and public platforms such as Truth About Weight.”
Professor Dr. Rohana Abdul Ghani, Consultant
Endocrinologist & President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS),
highlighted the complex nature of obesity, emphasising that it is far more than
a matter of willpower or lifestyle choices. “Obesity is a biological,
behavioural, and environmental condition, and not simply the result of lack of
discipline or poor lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood,
leading to self-blame and stigma among those affected. These emotional and
social barriers can make effective weight management even more challenging. By
combining medical therapy with education, empathy, and multidisciplinary care,
we can promote a holistic approach, such as one that fosters resilience,
reduces stigma, and encourages individuals to achieve sustained health
improvements.”
Emeritus
Professor Dr Chan Siew Pheng, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, sharing on Live Lighter with Wegovy®.
Emeritus Professor Dr. Chan Siew
Pheng, Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist, emphasised the importance of a
collaborative approach in obesity management, stating, “Effective management of
obesity involves contribution from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare
professionals, including physicians, nutritionists nurse educators,
physiotherapists, and mental health professionals to deliver a
holistic and integrated care that meets the diverse needs
of these individuals. It’s essential to address the common misunderstanding
that obesity is merely a lifestyle condition, which can lead to self-blame
among individuals struggling with their weight. It's also important to
recognise that when individuals lose weight, metabolic adaptations occur that
tend to cause weight to regain, reinforcing that this journey requires a more
in-depth understanding of the body's responses to weight loss. By integrating
medication with personalised dietary and lifestyle interventions, we can
significantly improve patient outcomes and support individuals on their health
journey.
Dato’ Sri Dr. Azhari Rosman, Senior
Consultant Cardiologist/Director of Customer Experience Department, stressed the direct
connection between obesity and cardiovascular health, noting, “The link between
obesity and heart disease is one we cannot afford to ignore. Implementing
effective obesity management strategies is essential for improving overall health
outcomes.”
Novo Nordisk Malaysia remains
committed to transforming the lives of individuals affected by chronic
conditions and their associated challenges. The company aims to promote a
healthy future for millions of Malaysians and work together to usher in a new era
of care.
