Novo Nordisk today announced the availability of Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) (MAL24126014AZ) in Malaysia, an adjunct treatment option for adults living with obesity and overweight who present with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
This is made available against a backdrop of growing health concerns, with recent data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealing that nearly 54.4% of Malaysian adults are classified as living with overweight or obesity.¹
Obesity in Malaysia: A Growing Public Health Concern
Obesity is a disease associated with more than 200 potential health complications, making it a ‘gateway’ disease to serious issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.²
These conditions significantly impact an individual’s life expectancy and overall quality of life.²,³
How Wegovy® Works in Weight Management
Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg), a once-weekly injectable medication, works by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 released by the gut after eating.
This mechanism targets specific areas in the brain that regulate hunger and cravings, providing a treatment option for individuals facing difficulty with weight management.⁴
The treatment is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m² in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity, e.g. dysglycaemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease.⁵,⁶,⁷,⁸ Wegovy® provides ≥20% weight loss in people living with obesity.
In addition, treatment with semaglutide has shown a greater reduction in fat mass than in lean body mass, thereby enabling quality weight loss.
Expert Perspectives on Obesity Management in Malaysia
Dr Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia, stated, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transforming the healthcare landscape in Malaysia.
With Wegovy®, we are introducing an effective weight loss medication that supports patients in their health journeys.
This innovative treatment aims to redefine our approach to obesity management and sits at the centre of a broader, long-term strategy: local clinical research, corporate partnerships, community toolkits, internal initiatives and public platforms such as Truth About Weight.”
“Obesity is a biological, behavioural, and environmental condition, and not simply the result of lack of discipline or poor lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood, leading to self-blame and stigma among those affected.
These emotional and social barriers can make effective weight management even more challenging.
By combining medical therapy with education, empathy, and multidisciplinary care, we can promote a holistic approach, such as one that fosters resilience, reduces stigma, and encourages individuals to achieve sustained health improvements.”
– Professor Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani, Consultant Endocrinologist and President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS).
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Long-Term Health Outcomes
Emeritus Professor Dr Chan Siew Pheng, Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach in obesity management, stating, “Effective management of obesity involves contribution from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nutritionists, nurse educators, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals to deliver a holistic and integrated care that meets the diverse needs of these individuals.
It’s essential to address the common misunderstanding that obesity is merely a lifestyle condition, which can lead to self-blame among individuals struggling with their weight.
It’s also important to recognise that when individuals lose weight, metabolic adaptations occur that tend to cause weight to be regained, reinforcing that this journey requires a more in-depth understanding of the body’s responses to weight loss.
By integrating medication with personalised dietary and lifestyle interventions, we can significantly improve patient outcomes and support individuals on their health journey.”
“The link between obesity and heart disease is one we cannot afford to ignore. Implementing effective obesity management strategies is essential for improving overall health outcomes.”
– Dato’ Sri Dr Azhari Rosman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director of Customer Experience Department, on the direct connection between obesity and cardiovascular health.
Novo Nordisk’s Commitment to Obesity Care in Malaysia
Novo Nordisk Malaysia remains committed to transforming the lives of individuals affected by chronic conditions and their associated challenges.
The company aims to promote a healthy future for millions of Malaysians and work together to usher in a new era of care.
References
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. (2025, March 19). National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 fact sheet: Non-communicable diseases & healthcare demand [PDF]. https://iku.gov.my/images/nhms2023/fact-sheet-nhms-2023.pdf
- Khunti, K., Schnecke, V., Haase, C. L., Harder-Lauridsen, N. M., Rathor, N., Sommer, K., & Morgen, C. S. (2023). Weight change and risk of obesity‐related complications: A retrospective population‐based cohort study of a UK primary care database. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 25(9), 2669–2679. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15154
- Balasundaram, P., & Daley, S. F. (2025). Public health considerations regarding obesity. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572122/
- Novo Nordisk. (2021). Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use: Prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Wadden, T. A., Bailey, T. S., Billings, L. K., Davies, M., Frias, J. P., Koroleva, A., Lingvay, I., O’Neil, P. M., Rubino, D. M., Skovgaard, D., Wallenstein, S. O. R., & Garvey, W. T. (2021). Effect of subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo as an adjunct to intensive behavioral therapy on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1403–1413. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1831
- Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., Hesse, D., Greenway, F. L., Jensen, C., Lingvay, I., Mosenzon, O., Rosenstock, J., Rubio, M. A., Rudofsky, G., Wadden, T., & Wilding, J. P. H. (2021). Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: The STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 325(14), 1414–1425. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
- Novo Nordisk. (2025). Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use: Prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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