Novo Nordisk to Offer Wegovy Weight Loss Drug in the Philippines This Year

Written by Sexual Health Team

Published 07/25/2025

Updated 09/30/2025

Here's what we'll cover

Wegovy, the popular semaglutide-based weight loss drug developed by Novo Nordisk, is coming to the Philippines. This news, first reported by the Inquirer, signals a major shift in how obesity may be addressed in the country. Wegovy has not yet been approved by the Philippine FDA as of this writing. Availability will depend on regulatory review and official release. With obesity rates rising across Southeast Asia and the Philippines seeing a steady increase in lifestyle-related health concerns, the arrival of Wegovy introduces a new option for weight management that goes beyond diet and exercise. But how effective is it? Who is it for? And what do Filipinos need to consider before using it? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and dive into what Wegovy is and why it could change the weightloss landscape in the Philippines.

Why Wegovy Matters in the Philippines

Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern. It is a health issue that affects long-term wellbeing. According to the World Obesity Federation, obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. In the Philippines, lifestyle-related diseases now account for a large share of hospitalizations, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The Department of Health (DOH) and other institutions have recognized obesity as a growing public health threat. The 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey reported that over 37 percent of Filipino adults are overweight or obese. Urbanization, sedentary work, and highly processed diets contribute to this growing trend.

With this backdrop, Wegovy has been studied internationally for its potential to support weight management under medical supervision. Its impact in the Philippines will depend on future local regulatory approval and clinical use. This also reflects a shift in how Filipinos are viewing medical interventions for health issues traditionally approached with lifestyle changes alone. Pairing clinical care with culturally informed wellness practices offers a more sustainable solution for long-term change.

How Wegovy Works

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. Originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide helps users feel fuller for longer and reduces cravings. It slows gastric emptying, making it easier to avoid overeating. In clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants who took Wegovy lost up to 15 percent of their body weight. Individual results vary and depend on medical and lifestyle factors. This was significantly more than those on placebo. These results were achieved alongside lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise.

Wegovy is administered through a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. This makes it convenient for busy individuals managing multiple responsibilities. In addition to weight loss, it may improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose regulation. A common concern among Filipinos is whether medications like this are safe for long-term use. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults who meet specific criteria. This approval applies to the U.S. FDA. The medication is not yet approved by the Philippine FDA. While long-term studies continue, current data supports its safety when used under medical supervision.

Who Should Consider Wegovy?

Wegovy is typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 and above with conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. It is not designed for casual or cosmetic weight loss. Filipinos interested in Wegovy should consult a licensed healthcare provider to assess eligibility. Medical supervision ensures proper use, especially when managing other health concerns.

Common Side Effects and Considerations

While Wegovy has shown effectiveness in trials, it is important to be aware of possible side effects. These may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Fatigue

These effects are usually mild and diminish with time. More serious issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems can occur in rare cases. Medical oversight is essential to catch early signs of complications. Wegovy should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Sustainable results require consistent nutrition, movement, and behavioral changes. For educational guidance on healthy habits, read our general wellness blogs focused on Filipino lifestyles.

Lifestyle Changes That Complement Wegovy

For best results, Wegovy should be paired with structured lifestyle changes. This includes mindful eating, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and emotional wellness. Wegovy works on appetite, but users still need strategies for navigating cravings and stress-related eating. Creating a consistent wellness routine is key.

Digital Tools for Filipino Wellness

One reason why more Filipinos may benefit from medications like Wegovy is the growing availability of telehealth services. Platforms such as HealthNow have made virtual checkups more accessible. This is especially useful for those in provinces without direct access to specialists. Through online consultations, patients can receive prescriptions, get follow-up care, and monitor progress all from the comfort of your own home. In addition, the use of fitness and health-tracking apps tailored for Filipino use cases can encourage adherence and long-term results.

Why Medical Supervision is Critical

No matter how convenient Wegovy is, proper medical guidance remains vital. Filipinos should work with endocrinologists, cardiologists, or primary care physicians to create a complete weight care plan. This includes screening for other conditions that may affect weight, such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, or insulin resistance. Coordination between different providers improves results and reduces risks. For additional guidance on long-term lifestyle change, this Andyou article on losing weight without giving up rice might offer useful steps.

Moving Toward Smarter, Supported Weight Care

Novo Nordisk's launch of Wegovy in the Philippines signals a growing acknowledgment that obesity is a medical issue that deserves clinical attention. But to have meaningful impact, it must be made accessible, affordable, and well-supported by medical infrastructure. Public health agencies like the Philippine Heart Association and the Department of Health could play a key role in driving education and safety awareness.

For those starting or continuing their wellness journey, Andyou offers articles, tools, and tips designed for the Filipino experience. Their health club covers habits, hormone health, and sustainable self-care grounded in local realities. Wegovy is not a miracle drug. But for many Filipinos, it could become an important tool for reclaiming health when used responsibly and as part of a broader plan.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from a licensed professional. Prescription medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide should only be used under doctor supervision. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved in the Philippines.

Sexual Health Team

The &you Sexual Health Team provides private, science-backed care for issues like ED and low libido. With licensed doctors and pharmacists guiding every step, we offer trusted treatments, holistic support, and a judgment-free path toward confidence and sexual well-being.