Obesity is a major chronic disease that's been haunting Filipinos although its not openly discussed.
Novo Nordisk just launched the Live Lighter movement, a multi-sector initiative aimed at transforming both public understanding and access to care. The Live Lighter calls for a shift in perspective: from viewing obesity as a matter of personal responsibility to recognizing it as a chronic, complex disease influenced by biology, environment and other underlying factors.
"For almost 30 years, we have studied obesity not as a lifestyle issue, but as a chronic disease. Today is not just about introducing a new treatment option. It is about changing how a country how country understands obesity," said Wei Sun, Novo Nordisk Philippine General Manager. "Through Live Lighter, we aim to help Filipinos treat obesity right- with science, compassion and with the support they deserve."
The movement signals a step forward in how obesity is treated in the Philippines by introducing innovative, science-based treatment option that goes beyond traditional approaches.
The launched coincides with the introduction of a new prescription therapy based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works with the body's biology to help regulate appetite, energy intake and metabolic processes. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of obesity, this class of treatment represents a shift toward more holistic and medically guided care.
"Advancements like these are changing the way we approach obesity care," said Dr. Christiana Vida Montefalcon, head of Clinical, Medical, Regulatory & Pharmacovigilance at Novo Nordisk Philippines. "They allow us to address the biological drivers of the disease, giving patients a more realistic and sustainable path toward better health."
For most patients, obesity is not simply a matter of diet and exercise, but a chronic disease that could require long-term health management and medical treatment. Newer therapies plays a critical role for individuals who have struggled to achieve or sustain weight loss through conventional methods alone.
"This is not just about weight loss," added Dr. Montefalcon. "It is about the over-all health and condition of people living with obesity."
"Live Lighter is more than a campaign," reinforced Wei Sun. "It is a commitment to change the way obesity is understood and managed in the Philippines. By bringing science-based care, including innovative treatments, closer to patients, we hope to empower more Filipinos to take control of their health in a sustainable and medically guided way."
In the Philippines, obesity is fast becoming a growing concern but not many talk about it. In fact, it is largely framed around willpower and lifestyle choices, often delaying diagnosis and limiting access to appropriate care. Health experts at the launch place emphasis on this outdated idea, and instead focus on effective and evidence-based interventions.
"Treating obesity as a disease changes everything, from how patients are supported to how healthcare systems respond," said Dr. Montefalcon. "It allows for earlier intervention, more comprehensive care and better long-term outcomes."
"Treating obesity as a disease changes everything, from how patients are supporter to how healthcare systems respond," continued Dr. Montefalcon. "It allows for earlier intervention, more comprehensive care, and better long-term outcomes."
The Live Lighter movement brings together media, healthcare professionals, industry partners and patient advocates to promote a more informed and compassionate approach: one that centers on patient realities and health outcomes, not just weight.
Obesity is a growing health priority, and recognized as a major contributor to non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers- placing a growing burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system.
There is also an urgency to address obesity through a more structured, science-based approach that integrates prevention, early intervention and long-term care.
Live Lighter underscores the need for collective action across sectors to address obesity more effectively- from improving public understanding and reducing stigma to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to care.
"Addressing obesity requires more than awareness. It requires a shift in mindset across healthcare, policy and society," said Anand Shetty, VP for Novo Nordisk Business Area SEA. "With Live Lighter, we are working to move from stigma to science, and from fragmented efforts to a more coordinated, patient-centered approach to care."
With the campaign's launch, Novo Nordisk aims to spark a broader national conversation- one that recognizes obesity not as a personal failure, but as a serious, treatable disease. The launch also highlights the role of global partnerships in advancing local health priorities, reinforcing how shared expertise and innovation can help bring evidence-based care closer to patients.
"Because when we treat obesity right, we change lives, not just for individuals, but for families and communities," concluded Wei Sun. "That is the impact we hope to achieve through Live Lighter movement."
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