Strokes, high blood pressure, and cancer might share the spotlight as some of the most discussed diseases in the world but there is a more insidious health concern that remains below the radar. This is obesity.
What was once considered the result of poor lifestyle choices is now seen as a complex metabolic disease that requires medical intervention to effectively address.
However, the general public is still unaware of the underlying medical aspects of obesity. Watsons, one of the Philippines’ largest health and wellness stores aims to address this by partnering with Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company researching obesity and diabetes for over 100 years.
“Our mission in this partnership is to make sure that patients become more aware of the health condition they are living with and be more motivated to speak to their doctors. That way they know what actions they can take and be more informed in their health journey,” Novo Nordisk Asia general manager Wei Sun said.
Under the partnership, Watsons will be implementing free obesity and diabetes screenings in select Watsons outlets across the country starting October. This will include BMI calculations, random blood sugar testing, as well as doctor’s consultations where patients can be guided on preventive measures and address their diabetes and obesity concerns.
“We are committed to addressing chronic diseases like obesity by leveraging our extensive experience to offer tailor-fit solutions to patients. Our mission is to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster partnerships that create sustainable change,” Watsons senior vice president Joweeh Liao said.
“At Watsons, we believe that good health should be accessible to all. This partnership with Novo Nordisk strengthens that commitment by addressing the urgent health challenges of obesity and diabetes. We are making preventive care education and patient support through in-store activations with consumer education through our social media channels,” she added.
Watsons will also hold seminars and train their pharmacists to help them better address customers’ and patients’ concerns regarding diabetes, obesity, and medical options available to address the disease.
