Singapore Welcomes Wegovy® as a New Prescription Weight‐Loss Option
Arabian Post – A once-weekly injection of Wegovy® has become available in Singapore, marking the latest step in tackling obesity as a chronic condition. The rollout of Wegovy® offers a medically guided treatment for a condition too often dismissed as a lifestyle issue.
Clinical specialists argue obesity stems from complex biological factors, ranging from genetics to hormonal imbalances. Regulatory approval includes a requirement to evaluate treatment after 12 weeks in teenagers if BMI reduction falls below 5% on the full 2.4 mg dose. Globally, Wegovy® was first authorized in the United States in June 2021, followed by EU approval in early 2022.
The product, from Novo Nordisk, is licensed for adults and those aged 12 and above who are obese or overweight with at least one weight‐related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. The drug works by mimicking the gut hormone GLP‐1, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing food intake when combined with healthier diet and exercise routines. Its introduction follows approval by the Health Sciences Authority on 28 February 2025 for usage among teenagers with obesity– a first in the region.
Over 600,000 adult Singaporeans are classified as obese, highlighting the public health urgency given the many comorbidities associated with obesity. The rollout of Wegovy® provides a clinically guided treatment for a condition too often dismissed as a lifestyle issue. Clinical experts argue obesity originates from complex biological factors, ranging from genetics to hormone imbalances.
Dr. Abel Soh, chair of the Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore, emphasizes, “Obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices– it is a medically recognized chronic disease influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, hormones, and environment.” Approval comes amidst global strain on semaglutide supplies. Local clinics previously stocked Ozempic and Rybelsus and faced intermittent shortages, with anticipated Wegovy® deliveries postponed until 2026 according to some medical guides. Private clinics were unable to reference branded drugs until local stock arrived, due to regulatory restrictions.
Available through prescription in private settings, Wegovy® will be administered alongside diet and exercise interventions. The injectable is recommended for chronic use; ongoing physician oversight is advised. Regulatory approval includes a requirement to review treatment after 12 weeks in adolescents if BMI reduction falls below 5% on the full 2.4 mg dose. Globally, Wegovy® was first authorized in the US in June 2021, followed by EU approval in early 2022.
Earlier, in Singapore, semaglutide received approval under Ozempic’s label starting March 2023 for diabetic therapy. The drug’s efficacy has been supported by real-world clinical programs, showing average weight reductions of between 10–15% over periods of 68 to 104 weeks. Benefits extend beyond weight loss to metabolic health improvements, including lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol.
Local adoption may mirror global trends, where appetite suppression and metabolic regulation combined with lifestyle changes have delivered sustainable weight loss without surgery. Supply challenges persist: healthcare providers caution that stocks may remain tight, with some anticipating delays or patient referrals under the Ozempic brand.
Novo Nordisk has also enhanced its savings program for Wegovy®, aiming to reduce financial barriers for cash-paying patients. The initiative seeks to lower financial obstacles, although uptake and cost-effectiveness will rely on real-world prices and insurance coverage.
