Launch of Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk: Enhancing Obesity Management through Innovative Collaboration

Bangkok, Thailand,  3 April 2025 – Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. (“Novo Nordisk”), today announced a historic collaboration Chulalongkorn x Novo Nordisk: Enhancing Obesity Management through Innovative Collaboration at the Rattanawithayapat Building, Chulalongkorn Hospital. This public-private partnership aims to enhance patient care by leveraging digital technology and fostering communication to empower individuals with obesity to gain quick and reliable access to information about obesity prevention and management.

In Thailand, it is estimated that over 40 percent of Thai individuals are classified as overweight or obese. This has resulted in economic loss exceeding 1.2 percent of GDP due to healthcare costs and reduced productivity, which is projected to grow to as high as 4.9 percent in the future if there is no intervention. Given the magnitude and seriousness of the situation, there is an urgent need for all parties to work together to tackle the rising prevalence of obesity in Thailand.

At the core of this collaboration is the Obesity Connects Line Official Account (“LineOA”), which is designed to facilitate two-way communication on obesity, allowing individuals with obesity and the public to engage directly with healthcare providers and access valuable resources, including the Truth About Weight site. The launch event also welcomed individuals with obesity to share their experiences using the Obesity Connects Line OA.

Representatives from Chulalongkorn University and Novo Nordisk attended the launch event.

Associate Professor Chanchai Sittipunt, Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted that “in order to solve the problems of obesity in the long run, we need knowledge, innovation, and collaboration from the public and private sectors.” Professor Suthep Udomsawaengsup, Head of the Obesity Clinic at Chulalongkorn University, explained the significance of innovation by stating, “Nowadays, we have innovations that can help treat obesity better—Obesity Connects Line OA is one of them. The Line OA allows people with obesity to receive reliable information and maintain constant communication with healthcare providers.”

Mr Enrico Cañal Bruland, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "we are thrilled to partner with a prestigious healthcare educational institution such as Chulalongkorn University on this important project. By combining our expertise, access and resources, together, we can drive change and make a significant impact on obesity prevention and management in Thailand."

Recognising the importance of public-private partnerships in curbing obesity, Chulalongkorn University and Novo Nordisk have been collaborating on multiple projects to better manage obesity, ranging from creating awareness of the disease through Chulalongkorn University’s 100K Obesity Run to participating in discussions on “How Cities and Partnerships Drive a Sustainable Future Against Obesity” with Chulalongkorn University and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

About the ‘Obesity Connects’ Line Official Account:

The Obesity Connects Line OA offers a range of features designed to support people with obesity and the general public, including:

Two-Way Communication: People with obesity who are being treated at Chulalongkorn Hospital can interact directly with healthcare providers, ask questions, and receive personalised advice. 

Personal Weight Control Functions: People with obesity or even the general public can access tools that help manage their weights more effectively, including a calorie calculator and body weight loss graph. 

Resources: Access to a wealth of information on obesity particularly the Truth About Weight site, sponsored by Novo Nordisk. 

About ‘Truth About Weight’:

The Truth About Weight site embodies a comprehensive and nuanced comprehension of weight management, acknowledging obesity as a severe, chronic condition influenced by biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors. It seeks to empower individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities to embrace holistic, evidence-based strategies for addressing weight-related health challenges.