Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) by Novo Nordisk is now Available in Singapore for Weight Management
The once-weekly injectable supports weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The launch marks a step toward evidence-based, compassionate treatment of obesity as a chronic disease—not a personal failing.
References:
Wegovy Singapore Prescribing Information, February 2025 Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Jun 9;59(6):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina59061119. PMID: 37374323; PMCID: PMC10304508. World Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity World Obesity. Retrieved from https://data.worldobesity.org/country/singapore-192/ Scott I. Kahan, MD, MPH. Practical Strategies for Engaging Individuals With Obesity in Primary Care. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(3):351-359 2. CDC, Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity Makeup 40 percent of Cancers Diagnosed in the United States. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p1003-vs-cancer-obesity.html. World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and overweight.WHO.https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight As accessed on 22nd May 2025. Leu J, Rebello SA, Sargent GM, Kelly M, Banwell C. Hard work, long hours, and Singaporean young adults' health. A qualitative study. Frontiers in Public Health. 2023; 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1082581
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 12 July 2025 - A significant advancement in weight management has arrived for Singaporeans. Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company focused on defeating serious chronic diseases, has announced the availability of Wegovy(semaglutide 2.4mg) in Singapore.Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a once-weekly injectable treatment indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents (aged 12 and above) living with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), or who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, supporting Singapore's efforts to improve population health.The treatment works by addressing one of the underlying biological drivers of obesity. Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 94% similarity to the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. It activates receptors involved in appetite regulation, helping individuals feel full sooner and reduce food intake. This mechanism supports weight loss when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes.The availability of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) comes as obesity continues to pose a significant health burden in Singapore. An estimated 600,000 adults are currently living with obesity, a condition associated with more than 200 health complications. Despite its prevalence and medical complexity, obesity remains heavily stigmatised—often misunderstood as merely the result of poor personal choices. Individuals living with obesity frequently face discrimination and mental health challenges which further isolate them. This misplaced blame, rather than targeting the disease itself, creates barriers to and slows the advancement of effective obesity treatment. Recognised by World Health Organization as a chronic disease, obesity requires compassionate evidence-based care. The launch of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) in Singapore provides a new treatment option for weight management available through private prescription.Dr Abel Soh, Abel Soh Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrine Clinic and Chairperson for Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore (EMSS) stated, "Obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices — it is a medically recognised chronic disease influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and environment. In my clinical practice, I see firsthand how many individuals blame themselves when in fact, their biology is often working against them. It's time we shift the conversation from blame to support in the management of individuals with obesity"Lifestyle factors in Singapore further contribute to the challenge. In Singapore's demanding work culture—where full-time employees work an average of 44.6 hours per week, with time constraints and fatigue frequently cited as barriers to maintaining regular physical activity. These circumstances underscore the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies that facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles, including increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet, as integral components of long-term weight management.Mr Vincent Siow, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Singapore, said "With treatments like Wegovy(semaglutide 2.4mg) now available in Singapore, we have an opportunity to provide healthcare professionals with more evidence-based options to support their patients in regaining control of their health and improving long-term outcomes."Hashtag: #NovoNordisk #Wegovy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat 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 around 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. In Singapore, Novo Nordisk has been present since 1997 and has approximately 100 employees.
For more information, visit novonordisk.sg
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Made in Singapore cancer drug could help cure blindness, trial in country to start soon
SINGAPORE, July 14 — A drug developed for the treatment of cancer has showed promise in treating blindness. According to The Singapore Times, the drug PRL3-zumab was developed by the A*Star Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) and was created as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer drug that could treat not one but multiple types of cancer. In a Singapore trial of the drug, patients with either wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy will receive a shot of the medicine intravenously. Globally, these two conditions are among the most common causes of loss of sight. How does it work? According to pre-clinical studies published in Nature Communications as PRL3-zumab reduced leakage from damaged blood vessels. Currently both Wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy are treated with periodic injections into the sclera or white part of the eye periodically to reduce leakage and abnormal growth in blood vessels. The intravenous method, according to the studies, led to an 86 per cent greater reduction in blood vessel leakage compared to injections. After being granted approval by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority on June 16, a safety trial is set to begin by late 2025 with more human trials following to test the drug's efficacy.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
TCM, Western medicine collaboration could help tackle chronic GI disorders, experts say
IPOH: There needs to be more collaboration between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine to find ways to treat chronic functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, says a TCM expert. Singapore-based Nanyang Technological University Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Sciences director Associate Prof Dr Linda Zhong said that while some GI disorders can be treated with Western medicine, some may be more difficult to address, and this is where TCM could help. "There have been academic papers written about TCM and its positive effect on patients with certain disorders. "Acupuncture, for instance, can help with indigestion and constipation, which is recognised by specialists," she told the press after attending the three-day 6th South-East Asia Gastroneuro-Motility Association (Seagma) scientific conference on gastroenterology motility diseases here on Sunday (July 13). "We also have a lot of other research on Chinese medicine that can help, with some of these available in the market. "We hope to have more collaboration with Western medicine to see if we can have breakthroughs in treatment for more functional digestive disorders," she added. Singapore National University Medicine Department clinical lecturer Prof Dr Kewin Siah said that patients have often had to resign themselves to live with chronic GI disorders despite consulting specialists. "Despite getting... second opinions, some are unable to get an answer from their doctors as to what ails them. "But things... should not be (like this)," he said, adding that prolonged battles with GI disorders can also impact some patients' mental health. "There can be certain limitations with Western medicine, and likewise with TCM, so we want to see if a collaboration can result in new findings," he added. Ipoh-based gastroenterologist Datuk Dr Andrew Chua, who is Seagma president, said a collaboration between Western medicine and TCM to treat functional GI disorders was still new to Malaysia. "TCM should no longer merely be a complementary treatment method. "We are trying to advance it and to introduce it into (Western) medical practice to provide treatment," he said.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
From laksa to steamed fish, Singapore public hospitals go gourmet with top chefs and brands to transform bland patient meals
SINGAPORE, July 13 — Singapore's public hospitals are reportedly elevating the standard of patient meals by partnering with top chefs and established food brands to offer more nutritious and appetising options, challenging the stereotype of bland hospital food. The Straits Times reported that at Alexandra Hospital, for example, a new 'Featured Chef Menu' was developed by Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Stroobant of Saint Pierre, in collaboration with the hospital's culinary team. 'Hospital food is often associated with blandness or lack of variety, but I believe with a little creativity and attention to detail, it can be transformed into a delicious, healthy experience that complements the healing process,' Stroobant was quoted saying. Stroobant, who moved to Singapore from Belgium in 1999, said the collaboration allows him to give back to the community through food, especially for elderly patients who form a significant portion of hospital admissions. Available once a week at no additional cost for patients on regular texture diets, the meals are prepared using refined methods such as steaming and boiling, with reduced salt and no heavy sauces, in line with hospital dietary guidelines. The menu launched this month has garnered praise from patients, including professional chef Leong Zheng Hao. 'All the dishes in the Chinese menu looked very appetising and visually enticing, especially the colourful steamed vegetable rice. After tasting, I found all the dishes tasty and complemented each other,' Leong was quoted saying. 'The sea bass with ginger and mandarin was very tender and fresh, and the dessert of steamed pear with rock sugar and goji berries tasted light with just the right amount of mild sweetness – a great way to end the meal.' Meanwhile, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has also introduced gourmet-style meals through collaborations with popular chains Jumbo Group of Restaurants and 328 Katong Laksa, adapting well-known local dishes to meet nutritional standards. The partnership with Jumbo began in 2023, with chefs providing training and recipes for dishes such as steamed fish with chilli crab sauce and Teochew pao fan, which saw an 89 per cent acceptance rate among patients. In January 2025, SGH rolled out a modified laksa dish in collaboration with 328 Katong Laksa, replacing cockles with prawns and increasing vegetables to align with Health Promotion Board guidelines; over 5,000 patients have tried it, with 90 per cent giving positive feedback. The hospital is now seeking halal menu partners to expand dining options for Muslim patients, while also using these partnerships to upskill culinary staff through expert training sessions. 'Through these collaborations, we aim to elevate the variety and quality of food that we serve to our patients, making their healthy meals enjoyable. Most importantly, patients receive the nourishment they need for a complete and timely recovery,' SGH senior manager Eileen Lim was quoted saying.
