Founded with a focus on diabetes treatment, Novo Nordisk has spent more than a century at the forefront of tackling the world’s most pressing health challenges. Over the past decades, the company has expanded its mission to address obesity, a chronic disease affecting more than one billion people worldwide.

 “In Taiwan, over 90% of women and more than 80% of men now exceed healthy body fat percentages,” says Dr. Hai-Hua Chuang, director of the Department of Community Medicine at Cathay General Hospital. “That’s the real health crisis we’re facing.”

In Taiwan, Novo Nordisk is reshaping the conversation around obesity, advocating for its recognition as a disease, and pioneering treatments to improve patient outcomes.

“Obesity is much more than a lifestyle issue – it’s a complex disease with genetic, physiological, and environmental influences,” says Daniel Bohsen, general manager of Novo Nordisk Taiwan. “It’s linked to over 200 comorbidities, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Yet despite its significant health impact, obesity is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized.”

Many patients with obesity are dismissed or blamed for their condition, preventing them from seeking medical support. “Once someone has lived with obesity, their body actively works to regain lost weight,” Bohsen notes. “That’s why sustained treatment options beyond diet and exercise are critical.”

Novo Nordisk’s research into GLP-1 receptor agonists has led to groundbreaking advancements in obesity treatment. The company launched its first dedicated obesity medication in 2015. Since then, it has introduced innovative solutions for diabetes and obesity. These medications have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, significantly reducing weight while also providing cardiovascular benefits.

“One of our largest studies showed that our medication not only supports weight loss but also has sound effect on overall health with cardiovascular benefits,” Bohsen says. “That’s a game-changer in how we view obesity – not just as a weight issue but as a serious health condition that must be medically managed.”

Beyond pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk takes a holistic approach to obesity care. The company has been educating physicians and working with medical associations to integrate obesity into routine consultations.

“Currently, obesity is rarely discussed in doctor-patient interactions unless complications arise,” says Bohsen. “That needs to change. We’re equipping doctors with the knowledge and tools to support patients proactively.”

Taiwan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges as it transitions into a super-aged society, where chronic diseases such as obesity-related conditions will strain resources. Recognizing the urgency, Novo Nordisk partners with public health institutions to drive awareness and prevention initiatives.

In collaboration with Taoyuan City, Novo Nordisk launched a childhood and adolescent obesity campaign promoting healthier eating and active lifestyles, successfully supporting over 300 students, teachers, and parents to lose a total of 265 kg. “Early intervention is key – children with obesity are far more likely to carry it into adulthood, leading to lifelong health complications,” Bohsen says.

“If we do wrong with our kids and adolescents, it’s not very likely we will succeed later,” says Dr. Chuang. “Childhood obesity is real, and early habits around diet, exercise, and coping with stress often carry into adulthood. That’s why prevention must start from a young age.”

In another initiative, Novo Nordisk signed a MOU with Taiwan’s National Health Research Institute to leverage big data to identify risk factors, including obesity.

One of the biggest barriers to effective care is stigma. In Taiwan, cultural attitudes reinforce the misconception that obesity is a matter of willpower. “Many people living with obesity experience judgment from healthcare providers, employers, and even family,” Bohsen says. “This can lead to lower self-esteem, mental health challenges, and reluctance to seek medical help.”

To combat this stigma, Novo Nordisk is leading advocacy efforts to change public perceptions. For World Obesity Day, employees and healthcare professionals gathered at Taipei Performing Art Centre to raise awareness about waist circumference as one of the key health indicators.

“It’s about shifting the focus from weight loss alone to overall health,” says Bohsen. “Measuring your waistline and talking to your doctor should be as routine as checking your blood pressure.”

Looking ahead, Novo Nordisk remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionize obesity care in Taiwan and beyond. “We’re not just developing treatments – we’re driving systemic change,” Bohsen says. “Obesity must be recognized as the chronic disease it is, fully integrated into healthcare systems, and treated with the same urgency as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.”

With ongoing research into next-generation therapies, including combination treatments that may rival bariatric surgery, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“Investing in obesity care isn’t just about weight loss – it’s about preventing chronic diseases, reducing healthcare costs, and improving quality of life for millions,” Bohsen concludes. “This is one of the most impactful investments any healthcare system can make.”