Latest news with #WorldObesity
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Weighing in: How South Africa's Ozempic attraction measures up globally
A doctor stated that although Ozempic has been available in South Africa for several years, its popularity has recently surged due to social media and celebrity influence. The lure of a shortcut, combined with the power of influence, could be fuelling South Africa's growing attraction to Ozempic. A recent report ranked South Africa fifth on a list of nations attracted to Ozempic based on metrics used to gauge interest in the medication. Despite researchers factoring in obesity rates, professionals have warned that Ozempic is not designed to treat obesity, but is a type 2 diabetes medication that requires a tailored diagnosis. Ease of Ozempic access Hailed as a weight-loss wonder drug, Ozempic is a semaglutide that increases insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. Researchers from Journo Report compiled data from 18 countries ranking internet search volumes, media mentions, obesity rates and regulatory restrictions. South Africa was the only African nation mentioned in the research report, which featured five countries from Asia and Oceania, four from the Americas, and eight from Europe. Ireland topped the charts based on interest, access and demand, with South Africa coming in fifth behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mexico and Canada. 'South Africa also offers a relatively open regulatory environment, allowing broader access to Ozempic than many developed nations,' stated researchers. Of the nations analysed, France, Spain and Australia had the most stringent access regulations, while Mexico, South Africa and the UAE were at the opposite end of the regulatory scale. Ozempic is a schedule four medication, but South Africans were increasingly obtaining the product 'off-label'. Researchers stated that the UAE and Mexico had high rates of interest and easy access, while Canada's universal healthcare system allowed for easy distribution for diabetes, but limited access for weight loss. Local obesity rate South Africa's obesity rate of 32.8% was 7% higher than the average but lower than Ireland, the UAE and Mexico, and well below the US, which tipped the statistical scales at 45.6%. Obesity refers to an individual with a body mass index — a calculation using height and weight to estimate body fat — of 30 or higher. The report showed that Ozempic had a relatively small media presence in South Africa, averaging roughly 375 media mentions per month, compared to the 150 000 per month in the US. Based on internet behaviour, the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) had the highest per capita search volumes with 1 913, 1 844 and 1 733 searches per 100 000 people, respectively. The United States (US) and Australia registered 1 323 and 1 633 Ozempic-related internet searches per capita, but, like the UK, have stricter access, pushing them down the overall table. ALSO READ: Falsified Ozempic products flood the market, Sahpra urges caution Data from the World Obesity's Global Obesity Observatory shows South Africa has a growing overweight and obese population. In 1998, only 10% of men were considered obese, with 28% of women meeting that description. By 2022, those numbers had risen to 15% and 41%, respectively. Temporary results Medical practitioner Dr Marlin Mackay said Ozempic had been in the South African market for several years, but had only recently seen a rise in popularity due to social media prominence. He stated that initially there was a shortage of stock, but that supply has since caught up with demand. ALSO READ: How to treat diabetes McKay confirmed there were no generics on the market, only fake copies that were not approved by the South African Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority. 'Firstly, Ozempic is meant for type 2 diabetes and is not supposed to be a treatment for obesity,' said McKay, stressing that obesity is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment. 'Patients need to be counselled and treatment needs to be individualised. 'Ozempic should not be used as a quick fix,' warned McKay. He warned that those with a family history of thyroid cancer should not use Ozempic and that a professional diagnosis should be obtained to 'understand the mechanisms' of their own bodies. McKay stressed that any weight-loss results would be temporary unless the underlying conditions are properly addressed. 'What patients don't realise is that as soon as they stop using it, there will be corresponding weight gain,' the doctor concluded. NOW READ: Billions' worth of weight loss and diabetes medications reached SA shelves and patients in 2024
Malay Mail
12-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) by Novo Nordisk is now Available in Singapore for Weight Management
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. 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 World Obesity. Retrieved from 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 World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and 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. 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 (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 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 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 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 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
