• Biology and environment are key drivers; fact-based information on obesity must replace judgment.
  • Focus on long-term, professional advice for your individual health.
  • Reducing stigma empowers people on their health journey.
  • Obesity is a global public-health issue with social and economic consequences.
  • The mounting human and economic costs call for coordinated action.
  • Early intervention and community-level support are vital for long-term health.
  • Novo Nordisk’s goal is to ensure that a healthier, longer life is a reality for many.

Medical bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), define obesity as a serious, chronic disease. It has many causes—genes, brain chemistry, hormones, psychology and the environments where people live.

Many of the factors impacting obesity such as metabolic rate, appetite-regulating hormones, and the surrounding environment are all elements that are beyond an individual's control. Treating obesity as a mere lack of willpower or a matter of personal failure ignores these realities and prevents people from receiving the help and evidence-based care.

Headlines, social posts and easy-fix trends create constant noise about weight and health. The fact is that there is no one-size fits all solution to obesity and these trends distract people from real, evidence-based care, fuels misunderstanding and deepens stigma.

Common myths to correct include: “Just eat less and move more”, or “Do ‘X’ to lose weight quickly.” Replacing these messages with science-based facts helps people get the supported they need for long-term health.

Weight stigma—the social devaluation and discrimination based on body size—acts as a barrier to effective care. People who experience body shaming often suffer from stress, depression, and poor mental health, which can lead to further weight gain and a reluctance to seek help for their health. Focusing on respectful, evidence-based, empathetic care is essential for long-term health outcomes.

More than 1 billion people worldwide have obesity. It raises the risk to more than 200 related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and certain cancers. Overweight and obesity are linked to approximately 1.7 million premature deaths each year from non-communicable diseases.

Rising rates among young people are alarming. About 543 million children and adolescents now live with overweight or obesity. Since 1975, obesity rates in school-aged children have increased nearly fivefold especially in low and middle-income countries. Childhood obesity often continues into adulthood, increasing the risk of early chronic disease.

Addressing this requires a "it takes a village" approach, where communities, education systems, policymakers and governments collaborate to create supportive environments.

If we do not act, the trajectory is unsustainable. By 2035, it is estimated that half of the global population—roughly 4 billion people—will be living with overweight or obesity. The economic consequences are equally severe, with the global impact projected to reach $3.23 trillion annually by 2030. These figures highlight an urgent need for widespread education and proactive health system responses.

At Novo Nordisk, the opportunity to make a positive impact on one of the greatest healthcare challenges of our time is clear. As a proud pioneer with more than 30 years of obesity research, we are dedicated to not just managing weight but improving overall health.

While we are committed to advancing science and innovation in obesity care, we also believe that medical management is only one part of the solution; truly defeating obesity requires collective action. We are committed to driving positive change by fostering partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, working on childhood obesity, strengthening health systems, and keeping the lived experiences of people with obesity at the center of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that a healthier, longer life is not just a possibility for some, but a reality for many.