KPJ , Novo Nordisk Launch Science-Based Obesity Care Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- The KPJ Weight Management Programme, a collaboration between KPJ Healthcare and Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia), a global healthcare company specialising in diabetes and obesity therapies, is set to improve obesity care in Malaysia through a structured, science-based approach.
KPJ Healthcare president and managing director, Chin Keat Chyuan, said the initiative marks a deliberate step towards structured care, with outcomes tailored to the Asian population.
“Obesity is a chronic medical condition associated with serious comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
“The condition not only affects life expectancy but also quality of life, productivity and the long-term burden on families and the healthcare system,” he said at the launch here today.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) general manager, Dr Praful Chakkawar, said the partnership would strengthen clinical foundations, support education efforts and promote better public understanding that obesity is a chronic disease requiring sustained medical care.
Beyond patient care, he added that the collaboration would also focus on clinical education and responsible health communication, including the appropriate use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies in a regulated environment.
“Patients deserve access to credible information and evidence-based treatment, not reliance on unverified content circulating on social media,” he said.
The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together specialists, allied healthcare professionals and regulated medical therapies within a hospital setting.
It includes comprehensive assessments, personalised treatment plans, behavioural support and continuous monitoring under an integrated care system.
Alongside the launch, a clinical discussion titled ‘From Disease Awareness to Structured Care Pathways’ was held, featuring Dr Praful, consultant endocrinologist at Damansara Specialist Hospital Dr Mohd Shazli Draman @ Yusof, and dietitian at the same hospital, Teo Cia Lin, to address gaps in obesity management in Malaysia.
Dr Mohd Shazli, told Bernama that the programme would not replace traditional weight loss methods, while such approaches remain widespread, with many not medically guided or sustainable.
“Popular diet trends on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram often deliver short-term results but lead to significant weight regain. We want to guide people towards safer, medically supervised treatments that offer long-term benefits.
“The main aim is to raise public awareness and ensure a structured programme is available. Through this, patients gain access to a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians, psychologists and medical specialists, forming a complete support system for their health journey,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
