“Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk” Elevates Obesity Management with Innovation 

Chulalongkorn University, through its Faculty of Medicine and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, has partnered with the private sector in the “Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk: Elevating Obesity Management with Innovation” project. The goal is to enhance the care of obesity patients by integrating digital technology to improve communication and provide quick, accurate, and reliable information about obesity prevention and management. The project launch event took place on April 3, 2025, at Rattanawithayapat Building, Chulalongkorn Hospital. 

It is estimated that more than 40% of the population in Thailand is overweight or obese. The growing number of obesity patients leads to significant economic losses due to increased healthcare costs and decreased productivity. Collaboration from all sectors to address and reduce obesity rates is therefore essential. 

Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, opened the event by emphasizing that the key to long-term solutions for obesity involves educating people about obesity and using new innovations and technologies to enhance care opportunities. He stressed the need for collaboration from all sectors to help obesity patients return to a normal life. 

Professor Dr. Suthep Udomsawaengsup, Head of the Obesity Clinic at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, explained that obesity treatment should begin with controlling one’s diet and exercise. Currently, there are many new innovations to assist in obesity management, including “ObesityConnects,” a Line OA platform that consolidates various information in one place. This platform helps people with obesity access reliable and accurate information quickly and easily, while also enabling direct consultations with medical professionals to facilitate post-treatment care. 

Enrico Cañal Bruland, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that it is a great honor to collaborate with the renowned Chulalongkorn University on this project. By combining expertise, resources, and networks, both parties are confident they can drive significant changes and make an impact on obesity prevention and management in Thailand. 

Chulalongkorn University and Novo Nordisk have already collaborated on various initiatives to address obesity, such as the “100K Obesity Run” organized by Chulalongkorn Hospital to raise awareness and their participation in discussions on “The Role of Cities and Collaborative Efforts to Drive a Sustainable Future to Fight Obesity,” together with Chulalongkorn University and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. 

Furthermore, the project launch event emphasized that sustainable obesity management requires the cooperation from all sectors, including government, private, and academic organizations, to create effective and comprehensive management strategies. Currently, Novo Nordisk has developed innovations for obesity treatment, with Thailand being the first country in Southeast Asia to access these innovations, which focus on holistic healthcare approaches, not only weight management but also improving the function of essential body systems like the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Obesity Connects Line OA 

ObesityConnects is a platform designed to support individuals with obesity and the general public. Key features include: 

• Two-way Communication: Obesity patients receiving treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital can directly contact medical staff, ask questions, and receive personalized advice. 

• Personalized Weight Management Tools: People with obesity and the general public can access weight management tools, such as a calorie calculator and weight loss graphs. 

• Reliable Information: Access to trustworthy information about obesity, including the Truth About Weight website, supported by Novo Nordisk. 

Truth About Weight Website 

The website focuses on providing comprehensive knowledge and understanding of weight management. It acknowledges that obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors. The site aims to promote a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addressing obesity challenges among the general public, healthcare professionals, and communities. 

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