By Vanessa Hidalgo
The World Health Organization says that nearly one in 10 children and almost four in 10 adults in the Philippines are now classified as overweight and obese, a level considered high by global standards.
Obesity is a global health concern that is linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other life-threatening ailments. A whole community approach is needed to prevent it from further straining the health-care system.
Tipping the scales, Watsons Philippines, the country's leading health, wellness and beauty products retailer, partnered with global healthcare company Novo Nordisk to help curb the climbing obesity incidence through raising awareness and empowering Filipinos with tools and knowledge.
“In our research, we also see that it actually takes as long as six years for them (patients) to start the first conversation with their doctors. And why it takes six years, it's because of the hesitation, a lot of society biases against it. It’s about a lack of knowledge as well,” says Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of a popular antidiabetic drug.
Under the partnership, Novo Nordisk and Watsons will provide obesity screening. The screening services will initially be offered across 18 Watsons stores nationwide, with trained health-care providers on-site to conduct the assessments and offer advice to customers.
Two-pronged approach
Backed with 25 years of obesity research, Novo Nordisk also initiated a two-pronged approach to address the issue of obesity through health-care professional training and consumer education campaigns.
This also forms part of Novo Nordisk’s Truth About Weight campaign, which raises awareness, combats stigma, and promotes informed, science-based approaches to obesity care.
In partnership with the Philippine Association on the Studies of Overweight and Obesity through the B.E.A.T—which is an acronym for break the bias, evaluate comprehensively, address with evidence, and transform outcomes—Obesity program.
It resulted in the creation of a curriculum focused on the education and training of health-care professionals through the dissemination of accurate data to better equip doctors and allied health experts with updated knowledge on obesity management. The curriculum is accessible via the Docquity Learning Program.
As a supplement to the B.E.A.T Obesity Program, bite-sized learning modules are also available in Novo Nordisk-owned health-care professional portal, making it more convenient for doctors who are on the go.
'Genuine medication'
The pharmaceutical company also advises patients with obesity to acquire medicines only through the proper channels such as major pharmacy chains.
“My selling point is always patient safety as the most important element. So I want to make sure that the patient gets genuine medication. If the patient wants to get our medication, our service is always through the major pharmacy chains, and we truly ensure that there's good quality control in the transportation process, because our drug requires cooling all the way through,” Sun explains.
The antidiabetic medications, she adds, always require prescriptions. “The health-care system needs to make sure that the doctors know that they need to prescribe a valid prescription and the patient needs to be more aware [of] that certain prescription,” she says.
Sun adds that compared with other Asean markets, the antidiabetic drug sold here is “on the cheaper side.” Noting that every market is unique and “has its own price regulations, has its own market situation to consider.”
Preventive care
The two health companies aim to support Filipinos living with obesity through a consumer education campaign to give them a better understanding of the disease. With the end goal of motivating them to start a conversation with their doctors to live a healthier lifestyle.
“Partnering with Novo Nordisk strengthens our commitment to making preventive care more accessible and affordable. By offering free obesity screenings in our stores, we empower families with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health and live healthier lives,” says Joweeh Liao, Watsons Philippines director for health business unit, finance, and store development.
Watsons continues to strengthen its role as a health partner for the community. With over 1,200 stores nationwide, many with extended hours and an expanding number of 24/7 outlets, Watsons ensures access to care anytime, anywhere. Customers can also order through the Watsons app, enjoy three-hour medicine delivery, or pick up in-store for added convenience.
