logo

Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) by Novo Nordisk is now Available in Singapore for Weight Management

Zawya12-07-2025
Wegovy® is indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents (12+) with obesity or overweight and at least one related health condition.
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.
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 1. 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 1. 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 2 - 4, a condition associated with more than 200 health complications 5. 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 6, 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 7, 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."
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
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.
Novo Nordisk
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Oriental Remedies Clinic Opens Fifth TCM Clinic in Punggol Coast Mall
Oriental Remedies Clinic Opens Fifth TCM Clinic in Punggol Coast Mall

Zawya

time13 hours ago

  • Zawya

Oriental Remedies Clinic Opens Fifth TCM Clinic in Punggol Coast Mall

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 July 2025 - Oriental Remedies Clinic, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic chain in Singapore, has announced the opening of its new clinic in Punggol. Located at Punggol Coast Mall, the chain's fifth branch aims to cultivate a sanctuary for holistic family wellness, prioritising a nurturing and stress-free environment that offers a child-friendly experience for all ages. New Clinic Opening for Families in Punggol Coast Mall The new TCM clinic is designed as a welcoming space where families can experience the TCM principle of Yang Sheng, the art of life cultivation. More than just a treatment centre, it encourages individuals and children to build lifelong habits that promote balance, vitality, and preventive care. Developed in collaboration with House on the Hill, a renowned Montessori preschool in Singapore, the clinic features a sensory-focused waiting area thoughtfully designed to engage children through their five senses, transforming passive waiting into active discovery. Children are invited to explore traditional Chinese herbs, textures, scents, and natural materials in a calm, tactile environment. This immersive setup encourages curiosity, independent participation, and self-directed play, reflecting our core belief in nurturing lifelong wellness from an early age. Every aspect of the clinic promotes emotional comfort and a restorative atmosphere. A natural colour palette of muted greys and warm earth tones, complemented by carefully curated toys suited to different developmental stages, helps children feel grounded and focused. This intentional design supports emotional regulation and encourages internal awareness, an essential foundation for the mind-body connection central to TCM healing practices. Enhancing Comfort with Child-Friendly Design The clinic features an open-concept layout, where the paediatric pods for consultations and treatments are designed as a natural extension of the children's play area, offering a seamless transition from exploration to treatment. This thoughtful continuity reduces anxiety by preserving a sense of familiarity and playfulness, helping consultations feel more conversational and less clinical. These pods are intentionally designed to encourage gentle interaction, open communication and engagement, helping children stay emotionally regulated and present. This approach keeps children engaged and interested in their bodies and feelings, fostering a sense of ownership in their wellness journey. The open-concept design facilitates parental supervision, allowing the clinic to foster guided independence in children. Through this approach, the clinic helps empower children to understand and make choices that support their well-being. This transparency is key to the collaborative, family-centred approach at Oriental Remedies Clinic. Expanding Core Services to Support Paediatric Care In addition to Oriental Remedies Clinic's comprehensive suite of treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medication, paediatric tuina, and tech-enhanced therapies such as Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT), the new branch will introduce more child-focused therapies, such as paediatric moxibustion, herbal vaporiser therapy, and Cell Pro Therapy for children. These specialised additions reflect the clinic's dedication to delivering tailored, gentle, and effective care while actively encouraging children's participation in their health education from an early age. The Punggol outlet will also serve as an educational platform through intimate community workshops. Covering practical topics such as 'Understanding Big Emotions through TCM,' 'Supporting Your Child's Immune System Naturally,' and 'Healthy Foods for Your Body Constitution,' these workshops aim to reinforce the critical link between emotional resilience, physical health, and lifelong wellness. Integrating Tradition with Technology in Punggol's Digital District Located at Punggol Coast Mall within the Punggol Digital District (PDD), the clinic's opening aligns with Singapore's push for innovation in healthcare. Oriental Remedies Clinic is actively exploring ways TCM can evolve through advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and smart diagnostics. Current initiatives include research into AI-assisted tongue and pulse diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans informed by data analytics. These advanced technologies aim to enhance the precision of care without compromising the personalised, hands-on essence of traditional TCM practice. In the long term, the clinic hopes to collaborate with research institutions and tech firms within PDD to further integrate cutting-edge innovations into TCM. This forward-looking approach supports Oriental Remedies Clinic's vision of becoming a modern, future-ready wellness provider—empowering practitioners with technology to deliver more precise, effective, and accessible care. Supporting Healthier SG Through Early Education The expansion into Punggol reflects Oriental Remedies Clinic's dedication to Singapore's Healthier SG initiative, which prioritises preventive care. Understanding that establishing strong health foundations begins in childhood, the new clinic aims to help introduce TCM principles and healthy lifestyle practices in an engaging manner. By creating child-friendly spaces that foster curiosity and proactive exploration of natural remedies, the clinic chain helps children and families build strong foundations for lifelong health. This approach cultivates balanced living from an early age, ultimately reducing the incidence of chronic illnesses later in life. Through empowering children to embrace healthy habits from a young age, the chain looks to actively contribute to a more resilient and healthier Singapore. Serving the Punggol Community Through Holistic Care According to Beatrice Liu, CEO and co-founder of Oriental Remedies Clinic, the decision to open a new branch in Punggol was driven by the area's growing population and its high concentration of young families.'Punggol represents a vibrant, forward-looking community, and we see an immense opportunity to partner with these families on their wellness journeys,' says Ms. Liu.'Our focus on life cultivation means we are not just addressing immediate health concerns, but guiding individuals and families holistically through every stage of life, with care that evolves alongside them.' The new clinic at Punggol Coast Mall is now open. First-time patients can enjoy a special launch offer for a limited time. For more information or to register, please use our form here. Hashtag: #OrientalRemedies The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Oriental Remedies Clinic Oriental Remedies Clinic is a leading healthcare provider in Singapore that combines Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern technology. The clinic has expanded from a single-physician practice to a team of bilingual practitioners, many of whom are trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM, combining scientific knowledge with the wisdom of traditional medicine. Oriental Remedies Clinic

Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative
Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative

Zawya

timea day ago

  • Zawya

Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative

Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025, in presence of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and African&Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. During the Summit, Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also conducted on Day 2, for African journalists, to emphasize on the important role the media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Empower Women at all levels. Moreover, to raise awareness about early detection&prevention of Diabetes&Hypertension. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Chairperson of MFFLI Summit, and President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign, emphasized, 'I strongly believe that media has the power to shape mindsets and create a culture shift. Journalists can drive real change through their daily reporting by raising awareness about critical social and health issues—such as breaking the stigma of infertility, promoting girls' education, ending child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and encouraging early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.' Watch the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session here: The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of 'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Community Awareness Program. Since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided their Health Media Training for more than 3,700 media representatives from 35 countries in Africa. During the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8 th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the Day 1, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: During the Day 2 of the conference, two Medical and Scientific Sessions on Oncology and Diabetes&Hypertension also took place. During the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit, the Call for Applications for 8 annual Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies were announced for best Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. 'I strongly believe that these awards encourage creative storytelling to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Since 2017, we have been launching these awards together with my esteemed sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I am looking forward to all the entries from young talents for these important awards,' Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added. Details of the Awards: Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase work raising awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create long or short films (drama, documentary, or docudrama) addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs delivering impactful messages on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase work promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Entries for all awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Ozempic maker Novo's profit warning triggers $70 billion share rout
Ozempic maker Novo's profit warning triggers $70 billion share rout

Al Etihad

time2 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Ozempic maker Novo's profit warning triggers $70 billion share rout

29 July 2025 19:13 COPENHAGEN (REUTERS)Investors knocked $70 billion off Novo Nordisk's market value on Tuesday after the maker of weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy issued a profit warning and named a new CEO, as it battles rising competition in the obesity drug named Maziar Mike Doustdar as its new chief executive, turning to an experienced insider to revive sales and a share price hit by worries the company is falling behind in the weight-loss drug race it of a change at the top deepened a stock market rout, triggered after Novo slashed its outlook for 2025 sales growth to between 8% and 14%, from between 13% and 21% previously. Its shares plunged nearly 30% before paring some losses to trade down about 20% by has been hit by copycat versions of its weight-loss drugs - mixed or compounded by pharmacies. A crackdown on legal compounded versions of Wegovy in May could improve the situation, although Novo said illegal compounding Danish company said in a statement that the cut to its 2025 sales outlook was due to lower growth expectations in the second half in the United States, both for Wegovy and Ozempic in the GLP-1 diabetes drugmaker, which became Europe's most valuable listed company following the launch of Wegovy in 2021, is now facing a reckoning as it looks to turn things around after the abrupt removal in May of CEO Lars Fruergaard its peak in June 2024, Novo was worth as much as $615 billion, but its shares have plunged on investor concerns about the company's experimental drug pipeline and its ability to navigate challenges in the US an Iranian-born, Austrian national, who grew up in the US, joined Novo in 1992 and will take on the new role on August currently serves as vice president for international operations, a role he took after leading the company's businesses first in the Middle East and then in Southeast Asia, Novo has lost its first-mover advantage in the United States this year to US rival Eli Lilly . The new chief executive's most urgent challenge, according to investors and analysts, is to revive Novo's performance in the US, the largest market by far for weight-loss drugs and where they are most profitable. Novo launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy nearly two and a half years before US rival Eli Lilly's Zepbound. But Zepbound prescriptions surpassed those of Wegovy this year by more than 100,000 a week.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store