Singapore Welcomes Wegovy® as a New Prescription Weight‑Loss Option
The drug works by mimicking the gut hormone GLP‑1, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing food intake when combined with healthier diet and exercise regimes. Its introduction follows approval by the Health Sciences Authority on 28 February 2025 for use among adolescents with obesity—a first in the region.
Over 600,000 adult Singaporeans are classified as obese, a figure that underlines the public health urgency given the hundreds of comorbidities associated with obesity. The rollout of Wegovy® offers a medically guided therapy for a condition too often dismissed as a lifestyle issue.
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Clinical experts argue obesity stems from complex biological factors, ranging from genetics to hormonal imbalances. Dr Abel Soh, chair of the Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore, says, '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'.
Approval comes amid global strain on semaglutide supplies. Local clinics previously stocked Ozempic and Rybelsus and faced intermittent shortages, with expectant Wegovy® shipments deferred until 2026 according to some medical guides. Private clinics were unable to reference branded drugs until local stock arrived, due to regulatory restrictions.
Available through prescription in private settings, Wegovy® will be offered alongside diet and exercise interventions. The injectable is indicated for chronic use; ongoing physician oversight is advised. Regulatory approval includes a requirement to review treatment after 12 weeks in adolescents if BMI reduction falls below 5% on the full 2.4 mg dose.
Globally, Wegovy® was first authorised in the US in June 2021, followed by EU approval in early 2022. Earlier, in Singapore, semaglutide received approval under Ozempic's label starting March 2023 for diabetic therapy.
The drug's effectiveness has been supported by the STEP clinical programmes, showing average weight reductions of between 10–15% over periods of 68 to 104 weeks. Benefits extend beyond weight loss to metabolic health improvements, including lower blood pressure and decreased cholesterol.
Local uptake may mirror global patterns, where appetite suppression and metabolic regulation paired with lifestyle changes have delivered sustainable weight loss without surgery. However, supply challenges persist: healthcare providers warn that stocks may remain tight, with some expect delays or patient referrals under the Ozempic brand.
Novo Nordisk has also updated its savings programme for Wegovy®, making it more accessible to cash‑paying patients. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers, although uptake and cost‑effectiveness will depend on real‑world pricing and insurance coverage.
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