SINGAPORE – An injectable drug used to treat obesity is now available via prescription from any licensed physician at hospitals and clinics across Singapore.

In a statement on July 12 , pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk said the launch of Wegovy locally is to support Singapore’s efforts in improving population health.

Wegovy is suitable for adults who are obese, or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.

For effective results, users should also maintain a diet of reduced calories and an active lifestyle.

The drug, which is self-administered weekly via a pre-filled injection pen, was

approved for use by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in 2023

. It is a higher-dose version of diabetes medication Ozempic, which sparked global demand due to its ability to help users lose weight.

Ozempic was approved for use in Singapore in April 2021.

Both drugs contain semaglutide, an active ingredient which mimics the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. Semaglutide regulates blood sugar levels and works in the brain to induce the sensation of fullness, making the user eat less and curb appetite.

In Singapore, 11.6 per cent of people aged 18 to 7 4 were considered obese in 2022 , according to the National Population Health Survey.

Obesity is not simply the result of lifestyle choices, but a medically recognised chronic disease influenced by a mix of genetics, hormones, and environment, said Dr Abel Soh of Abel Soh Diabetes, Thyroid, and Endocrine Clinic.

“In my clinical practice, I see firsthand how many individuals blame themselves when in fact, their biology is often working against them,” said Dr Soh, who is also the chairperson of the Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Singapore .

“It’s time we shift the conversation from blame to support in the management of individuals with obesity.”

Many doctors worldwide have

voiced concerns about the side effects of semaglutide

. Some adverse reactions reportedly include nausea, gastrointestinal effects, liver and bile disorders and inflammation of the pancreas.

Users have also reported gaining back the weight they lost after dropping off either drug.

Sellers on local e-commerce platforms had in early 2023 tried to cash in on the demand for Ozempic and Wegovy.

It prompted the HSA to warn that the drugs contain potent ingredients that could lead to adverse effects if taken without medical supervision.

A spokesman for HSA said then that the agency had conducted “careful and thorough evaluation to ensure that therapeutic products meet the requirements for safety, efficacy and quality, and that the benefits outweigh the risks”.

Both drugs can be supplied only by a doctor or obtained through a prescription from a pharmacist.

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