Novo Nordisk Introduces Wegovy® in Hong Kong for Weight Loss

Novo Nordisk has launched Wegovy®, a groundbreaking weight management medication, in Hong Kong. As of November 3, 2025, Wegovy® is available at private clinics and selected pharmacies across the city. This once-weekly injectable prescription medication has been clinically proven to aid long-term weight management, marking a significant advancement in Hong Kong’s fight against obesity, which is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease.

Wegovy® is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps manage appetite by influencing the brain’s mechanisms for hunger and satiety. This innovative treatment allows patients to lower their energy intake, enhance feelings of fullness, and reduce the frequency and intensity of cravings.

Clinical Evidence and Efficacy

Wegovy® stands out as the first once-weekly prescription weight-loss medication approved for adolescents aged 12 and above in Hong Kong. The medication has undergone rigorous testing in large-scale clinical studies, including the STEP program and the SELECT study, which demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving sustained weight loss and improving health outcomes related to obesity.

In a notable 68-week trial within the STEP program, approximately one-third of adults taking Wegovy® experienced an average weight reduction of 20% or more, compared to only 2% in the placebo group. The average weight loss reported in these trials reached up to 17%. The safety profile of Wegovy® has also been thoroughly assessed, with semaglutide having accumulated over 33 million patient years of exposure.

Obesity is a growing concern in Hong Kong, with the 2020-2022 Population Health Survey reporting that 32.6% of adults aged 15 to 84 are classified as obese, and 22.0% as overweight. Alarmingly, a recent study indicated that 20% of secondary school students fall into these categories. Public understanding of obesity remains limited; many individuals with obesity underestimate their condition, with over one-third considering themselves “slightly overweight” and 70% unaware that the World Health Organization classifies obesity as a chronic disease.

The Broader Impact of Obesity

The consequences of being overweight or obese extend beyond individual health, as these conditions are linked to over 200 diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Cardiovascular disease is particularly alarming, as it is the leading cause of death among individuals with obesity. Without effective interventions, the global economic burden of obesity is projected to exceed **$3 trillion** annually by 2030 and reach **$18 trillion** by 2060.

Mr. Anirvan Dutt-Chaudhuri, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of recognizing obesity as a chronic condition requiring sustained care. “Wegovy®’s benefits have been extensively demonstrated in individuals managing obesity or overweight, with robust evidence supporting its impact on improving health outcomes. Its launch in Hong Kong marks a pivotal moment in recognizing obesity as a chronic medical condition that requires sustained, science-based care,” he stated.

The introduction of Wegovy® aligns with Novo Nordisk’s commitment to expanding access to innovative therapies. The company has actively collaborated with medical groups and professional associations in Hong Kong to promote clinical cooperation and long-term care initiatives. Additionally, it has led public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of addressing obesity.

As Wegovy® becomes available, Novo Nordisk aims to provide healthcare professionals and patients with evidence-based options to support effective weight management strategies. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect a comprehensive, patient-centric approach to tackling obesity and its related health implications.

Wegovy® is now positioned as a key component in Hong Kong’s strategy to combat obesity and improve health outcomes for individuals across all age groups.