Novo Nordisk joins hands to fight obesity in Vietnam

(Dan Tri) - In the context of the rapidly increasing rate of overweight and obesity in Vietnam, a number of global healthcare corporations, including Novo Nordisk (Denmark), are actively supporting the healthcare system to raise awareness and capacity to manage obesity.

Obesity is increasing rapidly, but awareness has not kept up.

For decades, obesity has been considered by academics as a risk factor for more than 200 different diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc. However, in recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), etc. have identified obesity as a chronic disease, affecting more than 650 million adults worldwide.

Vietnam is currently on the list of countries with rapidly increasing obesity rates in Southeast Asia, requiring much effort to control in a timely manner. In particular, the recently published ACTION-Vietnam study suggests many practical directions to fight obesity based on survey data of 1,000 obese patients and 200 health professionals in Vietnam.

ACTION-Vietnam study published in the Journal of the Southeast Asian Endocrine Federation in 2025.

The study found that, although all participants were obese, only 30% considered themselves overweight, 56% considered themselves obese; the majority of patients (58%) thought that losing weight was a personal responsibility; while most health professionals (76%) said that they should proactively support patients in managing their weight. Along with that are barriers that hinder the treatment of obesity: lack of exercise, lack of motivation, reluctance to mention weight from both sides, social stigma...

According to the ACTION-Vietnam study, early and proactive dialogue between obese people and health professionals helps improve awareness and weight management effectiveness. Novo Nordisk - the research sponsor - hopes that this data will create a basis for policy makers to build specific initiatives towards healthier community care.

Key findings from the ACTION-Vietnam Study were shared at the launch event in late June 2025.

The role of international organizations in building an obesity management ecosystem in Vietnam

Novo Nordisk (Denmark) is a pioneering healthcare group that produces insulin - helping save the lives of millions of diabetic patients. For over 100 years, the group has invested heavily in research to find solutions to treat serious chronic diseases, including metabolic diseases caused by obesity; implementing many initiatives to change the way the world approaches the disease.

Novo Nordisk continues to work effectively with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), implementing initiatives to improve nutrition, change social norms and perceptions to combat childhood obesity. The two sides also promote national, regional and global agendas on childhood obesity prevention.

Activities jointly implemented by UNICEF and Novo Nordisk to prevent overweight and obesity in children in Amsterdam (Photo: UNICEF).

In Vietnam, Novo Nordisk is implementing many initiatives in line with the National Nutrition Strategy for the period 2021-2030, aiming to control overweight and obesity in all ages. The company's public-private partnerships focus on raising public awareness, reducing stigma against patients, strengthening the capacity of the medical team, and changing the approach of stakeholders to obesity.

Mr. Erik Wiebols - General Director of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, emphasized: “We will continue to accompany our partners in raising awareness, improving the patient support system, contributing to the development of more humane and effective health policies on obesity management. These efforts reaffirm Novo Nordisk's long-term commitment to innovating the healthcare ecosystem, increasing access to advanced treatment solutions for patients.”

Novo Nordisk Vietnam General Director emphasized the company's commitment to combating obesity.

Long-term cooperation between Novo Nordisk and the Ministry of Health , associations, hospitals, and universities in training on diabetes and obesity-related metabolic disorders has been promoted for nearly a decade. Through a series of professional seminars and knowledge training support programs, the company has contributed to improving the capacity of more than 7,500 health workers.

Recently, Novo Nordisk has also supported the establishment of obesity diagnosis and treatment clinics at the Central Geriatric Hospital, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Tam Anh Hospital, etc., as well as promoting large-scale training cooperation for medical staff at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City.

Representatives of Novo Nordisk Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy signed a memorandum of cooperation on June 17, to support medical training for healthcare workers on non-communicable diseases, especially obesity.

In 2024, Novo Nordisk, in collaboration with the Vietnam Medical Association, will launch a website on obesity (www.giamcansongkhoe.vn), providing comprehensive information and detailed instructions on how to manage obesity. The website also integrates a medical expert search tool, helping patients connect with qualified medical service providers.

Novo Nordisk is preparing to launch the “A Way Forward” campaign, aiming to raise awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, encouraging patients to proactively seek early intervention and appropriate care.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/novo-nordisk-chung-tay-day-lui-benh-beo-phi-tai-viet-nam-20250805111008764.htm