Novo Nordisk and Watsons Philippines Join Forces to Tackle Obesity in the Philippines

Strategic Insights -

A growing health concern in the Philippines, with 39 percent of Filipino adults or about four of 10 Filipinos aged 20 to 59 living with obesity, has prompted global health care company Novo Nordisk to strengthen its efforts in curbing the climbing obesity incidence. In a recent partnership with Watsons Philippines, the company aims to make obesity screening services more accessible to the public, starting with 18 Watsons stores nationwide. This initiative not only promotes early detection, prevention, and management of obesity but also addresses related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Novo Nordisk has formalized a partnership with Watsons Philippines to provide obesity screening services, aiming to reach the public through trained healthcare providers on-site at 18 Watsons stores nationwide.
  • The partnership is part of Novo Nordisk's strategy to bolster partnerships with various organizations in the fight against obesity in the Philippines.
  • According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, 39 percent of Filipino adults (four out of 10 Filipinos aged 20 to 59) are living with obesity.
  • The initiative focuses on promoting early detection, prevention, and management of obesity and related diseases.
  • Wei Sun, Novo Nordisk Philippines general manager, stated that the partnership aims to make obesity screening more accessible and provide a comprehensive assessment of a person's obesity risk.
  • Joweeh Liao, Watsons Philippines director for Health Business Unit, Finance and Property Development, emphasized the importance of making preventive care more accessible and affordable through free obesity screenings in Watsons stores.

Statistics:

  • 39 percent of Filipino adults (four out of 10 Filipinos aged 20 to 59) are living with obesity, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.
  • Watsons Philippines has over 1,200 stores nationwide, strengthening the company's role as a health partner for the community.
  • Novo Nordisk and Watsons are initially offering obesity screening services at 18 Watsons stores nationwide, with the goal of expanding the initiative further.

Sources:

  • Food and Nutrition Research Institute