Media OutReach
Rethinking Obesity: Novo Nordisk’s Latest Initiative Urges Singaporeans to Treat, Not Blame
“Beyond the Scale” focuses on obesity as a chronic disease — urging empathy, early intervention, and evidence-based care.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2025 – Imagine a chronic disease affecting more than 600,000 people 1-3 in Singapore — yet often misunderstood, overlooked, or surrounded by stigma. This is the reality of obesity today. For many, outdated perceptions and delays in care have created barriers to support and treatment. Today, a new initiative is calling for a shift — to change how we think, talk about, and respond to obesity, through a lens of science, empathy, and early intervention.
Breaking the Myths: A Public Health Reframe
“Just eat less.” “Try harder.” “It’s a lifestyle choice.” These are more than just phrases — they reflect a deeper misunderstanding of obesity. Today, a bold new initiative, seeks to challenge those misconceptions and open the door to a more compassionate, evidence-based conversation. “Beyond the Scale” launches across Singapore with a clear and urgent call to focus on obesity as not a failure of willpower, but as a complex, chronic disease. The initiative invites the public to go beyond — beyond stigma, beyond myths, beyond labels — and recognise obesity for what science confirms it to be: a multifactorial health condition that deserves understanding, early intervention, and clinical care.
Led by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in collaboration with local healthcare professionals and patient advocates, “Beyond the Scale” is a disease awareness initiative aimed at driving a shift in how individuals, communities, and healthcare providers approach obesity management.
“We believe it’s time to shift from blame to understanding,” said General Manager, Mr Vincent Siow of Novo Nordisk Singapore. “Obesity affects 1 out of 9 people in Singapore4, yet it’s still too often seen as a matter of willpower. The reality is that obesity is a complex, chronic disease driven by biology, environment, and unequal access to care.1,5 It’s time we treat it with the seriousness it deserves — and we are proud to lead that conversation and drive meaningful change through the “Beyond the Scale” initiative.
Why This Matters Now
The 2021–2022 National Population Health Survey reveals the highest obesity rate (15%) among adults aged 40 to 49, while 43.3% of residents aged 18 to 74 had abdominal obesity, which increases with age and peaks between 50 to 74 years.6 This is compounded by the fact that perceptions persist about obesity being a personal failing, discouraging individuals from seeking help, delaying diagnosis, and compounding the health burden on families and the healthcare system.
Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)7, all of which already place a growing strain on Singapore’s healthcare infrastructure. The economic impact is substantial: in 2019, metabolic-risk related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, and cardiovascular conditions, cost Singapore S$2.20 billion.8 Of this, S$642 million were healthcare expenditures8, and excess weight alone accounted for an estimated S$261 million in annual medical and absenteeism costs.9 Without decisive public health action, these obesity-related comorbidities are poised to escalate into a major societal and economic burden.
“This is not just a personal issue — it’s a public health priority,” said Dr Ben Ng, Arden Diabetes & Endocrine Clinic. “We know obesity changes how the body regulates appetite, energy storage, and metabolism. It’s a disease, not a choice. Science supports this — and our response should reflect it.”
The Science Behind the Message
Obesity is not simply about calories in and out. Research confirms it involves neuroendocrine (hormonal), genetic, and psychosocial factors, making it both preventable and treatable10 .
Studies show that in Singapore, weight stigma is often driven by the belief that obesity is a personal failing, lack of willpower, or lifestyle choice leading to delayed treatment, reduced care-seeking, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.11
Beyond Labels, Toward Lasting Change
“Beyond the Scale” is more than a slogan — it is a call to treat obesity as the complex, chronic disease that it is. To move away from blame, appearance-based judgments, and oversimplified narratives, toward empathy, science, and sustained health. It is an urgent appeal to rethink, retrain, and rehumanise the way we support individuals living with obesity.
“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes,” said Dr. Ng. “Obesity is not a character flaw. It’s a disease. And it’s time we responded with the same respect, science, and care we give every other chronic condition.”
“Beyond the Scale” aims to:
- Raise awareness of obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease.
- Reduce stigma and myths that hinder early care.
- Encourage timely, evidence-based conversations with healthcare professionals.
- Promote empathy and science within the medical community.
- Support patients with tools to take charge of their health.
Singaporeans can participate by:
- Visiting [www.truthaboutweight.sg] for factual resources, use a BMI measurement tool, and locate a nearest weight management healthcare professional.
- Starting honest conversations with GPs, nurses, and pharmacists.
- Sharing content to help dismantle myths and support loved ones on their health journeys.
1. Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Jun 9;59(6):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina59061119. PMID: 37374323; PMCID: PMC10304508.
2. World Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity
3. World Obesity. Retrieved from https://data.worldobesity.org/country/singapore-192/
4. Lee, Y. V., & Tan, N. C. (2014). Obesity in Singapore: An update. The Singapore Family Physician, 40(2), 11–16. https://cfps.org.sg/publications/the-singapore-family-physician/article/71_pdf
5. World Health Organization. (2024). Obesity and overweight.WHO.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight As accessed on 22nd May 2025.
6. Ministry of Health, Singapore. (2022). National Population Health Survey 2022 Report. https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/3/28c3b8f9-9216-46be-8fc9-b614098666a9/nphs-2022-survey-report_final.pdf
7. Cohen JB, Cohen DL. Cardiovascular and renal effects of weight reduction in obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2015 May;17(5):34. doi: 10.1007/s11906-015-0544-2. PMID: 25833456; PMCID: PMC4427189.
8. Tan, V., Lim, J., Akksilp, K. et al. The societal cost of modifiable risk factors in Singapore. BMC Public Health 23, 1285 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16198-2 (2.2 Billion)
9. Junxing C, Huynh VA, Lamoureux E, Tham KW, Finkelstein EA. Economic burden of excess weight among older adults in Singapore: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 16;12(9):e064357. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064357. PMID: 36113947; PMCID: PMC9486358.
10. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev. 2017 Jul;18(7):715-723. doi: 10.1111/obr.12551. Epub 2017 May 10. PMID: 28489290.
11. Goff AJ, Lee Y, Tham KW. Weight bias and stigma in healthcare professionals: a narrative review with a Singapore lens. Singapore Med J. 2023 Mar;64(3):155-162. doi: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-229. PMID: 36876621; PMCID: PMC10071861.
Hashtag: #NovoNordisk
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs around 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. In Singapore, Novo Nordisk has been present since 1997 and has approximately 100 employees.
“Beyond the Scale” campaign builds on Novo Nordisk’s long-standing commitment to tackling chronic diseases. With over 100 years of experience advancing care for diabetes and more than 25 years of focused obesity research, Novo Nordisk is pioneering the medical management of obesity and the science of the GLP-1 hormone — a naturally occurring signal that regulates appetite and plays a key role in achieving sustained weight loss.
As part of its mission to drive long-term health outcomes, Novo Nordisk is also investing in scalable prevention efforts. Through the Cities for Better Health initiative — a global public-private partnership spanning over 50 cities — Novo Nordisk is working to reduce chronic disease risk in vulnerable urban communities. Its latest programme, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI), delivers targeted interventions to promote healthier diets and physical activity among children aged 6–13 in underserved areas.
In Singapore and beyond, these initiatives reinforce Novo Nordisk’s holistic approach: treating obesity with medicine and empathy today, while building healthier environments for the next generation.
For more information, visit novonordisk.sg.
Media OutReach
iQOO 15R Named Official Gaming Phone for 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings
The performance-focused smartphone will support tournament-level mobile gameplay with stable performance, responsive controls and sustained power.
DONGGUAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2026 – iQOO, a smartphone brand built for high-performance mobile gaming experiences, today announced that the iQOO 15R has been named the Official Gaming Phone for the 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings.
As an official esports title of the Asian Games, Honor of Kings brings together competitive mobile esports players from across the region. Through this partnership, iQOO will support the Qualifiers with a device designed for competitive mobile gaming, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting powerful, stable and immersive experiences for players and fans.
Supporting Tournament-Level Mobile Esports
Competitive mobile esports requires more than peak performance. Players often rely on consistent frame rates, responsive touch control and reliable power throughout extended matches. With the iQOO 15R serving as the Official Gaming Phone for the Qualifiers, iQOO aims to bring its performance-driven technology into a professional tournament setting and support players with a device built for speed, control and sustained gameplay.
Built for Stable, High-Intensity Gameplay
Designed as a performance-focused smartphone, the iQOO 15R is equipped to support the high demands of mobile gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform and Monster HyperCore Engine, the device is engineered to help deliver stable frame rates and responsive gameplay during extended sessions.
The Supercomputing Chip Q2 is designed to enhance visual clarity for a more immersive gaming experience, while the Super Touch Control Chip is designed to improve input accuracy and control response. In addition, the advanced cooling system and large-capacity Silicon Anode Battery with fast charging help provide the sustained performance and power required for tournament-level play.
Hashtag: #iQOO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About iQOO
iQOO, a sub-brand of vivo, differentiates itself in performance and Esports experience. iQOO leverages the research, quality assurance and after-sales service expertise of vivo, and follows the brand ethos of i Quest On and On to push boundaries, innovate boldly and share the excitement of exploring future technology. With products offering Esports-standard capabilities, iQOO aims to become the top choice of consumers who are passionate about performance and gaming.
For more information, please visit 
https://www.iqoo.com/en.
About Honor of Kings
Developed by TiMi Studio Group, Honor of Kings has become the world’s most-played MOBA. In 2025, the combined MAU of Honor of Kings titles surpassed 260 million. Featuring highly detailed and diverse character and battlefield design plus music created by world renowned composers including Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, and Howard Shore, Honor of Kings immerses players in a unique and colorful universe. Honor of Kings prides itself on being free to play and fair to win, with success determined by players’ skills and tactics. Honor of Kings is also home to a thriving esports ecosystem supporting competitive play from grassroots amateurs to elite professionals. To learn more about Honor of Kings, follow on 
Twitter, 
Facebook, 
Youtube, 
Instagram, 
TikTok or visit the official website of Honor of Kings.
Media OutReach
ZEEKR Surpasses 800,000 Global Deliveries and Unveils Global Expansion Strategy for Dual Flagship 9-Series Models
As a key gateway connecting China with global markets, Hong Kong serves as an important benchmark for the premium automotive industry and a strategic platform for luxury brands expanding internationally. Launching the global strategy for the 9-Series in Hong Kong marks a significant new chapter in ZEEKR’s growth across the global premium new energy vehicle market.
800,000 Deliveries Milestone Underscores ZEEKR’s Global Growth Momentum
Strong market performance continues to support ZEEKR’s expansion in the global premium new energy vehicle segment. As of June 16, 2026, ZEEKR’s cumulative global deliveries officially exceeded 800,000 vehicles, marking a major milestone for the brand.
In Hong Kong, ZEEKR has maintained strong momentum. From January to May 2026, ZEEKR captured a 40.7% market share of Hong Kong’s luxury vehicle segment, ranking first among all luxury automotive brands. The ZEEKR 009 ranked as Hong Kong’s best-selling luxury MPV, while the ZEEKR 7X became the city’s best-selling luxury SUV.
Across key international markets, ZEEKR continues to achieve strong results. In Thailand, the brand was the best-selling luxury pure-electric MPV brand in 2025 and retained its leadership position from January to May 2026. In Malaysia, ZEEKR ranked No.1 among luxury pure-electric brands during the same period, with the ZEEKR 7X leading the luxury electric SUV category and the ZEEKR 009 remaining the top-selling luxury electric MPV. In Australia, ZEEKR continued to lead the luxury SUV segment priced above AUD 65,000 from January to May. In Mexico, the ZEEKR 7X secured the monthly luxury EV sales title in both April and May.
Dual Flagship 9-Series Models Showcase ZEEKR’s Technology-Luxury Vision
At this year’s expo, ZEEKR is showcasing five models spanning family mobility, executive transportation and flagship luxury, highlighting the breadth of its premium product portfolio.
The ZEEKR 9X, ZEEKR’s new global flagship of ultra-luxury SUV, is built on the SEA-S architecture and features a 900V high-performance silicon carbide electric drive system delivering more than 1,030 kW of maximum power. Four integrated safety structures combined with extensive use of 2,000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel contribute to a torsional rigidity rating of 41,600 N·m/deg, setting a new benchmark for safety in the hybrid SUV segment. The ZEEKR 9X recently opened pre-sales in the Middle East, where it has received strong market interest. The model is scheduled to expand into key markets across Latin America, Central Asia and Europe.
The ZEEKR 009 Grand, the brand’s global ultra-luxury four-seater flagship MPV, features a 720-degree comprehensive safety architecture and the world’s first integrated die-cast C-ring cabin structure, delivering segment-leading rear-seat protection. The second row is equipped with two ultra-soft aniline leather executive seats featuring 20 massage points and an industry-leading seven-zone graphene heating system, creating an exceptional luxury experience for rear passengers. The right-hand-drive version of the ZEEKR 009 Grand is scheduled to launch in Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The ZEEKR 8X, a super hybrid high-performance flagship SUV, also makes its Hong Kong debut. Built on the SEA-S Super Hybrid Architecture, the ZEEKR 8X delivers a flagship experience across four key dimensions: performance, intelligence, safety and comfort.
Expanding Global Capabilities and Opening a New Chapter of Technology Luxury
As its product lineup continues to grow and its international footprint expands, ZEEKR is accelerating the development of a comprehensive global operating system spanning R&D, product planning, market operations and customer services. Today, ZEEKR’s overseas business covers more than 60 major cities worldwide with a rapidly growing global user base.
As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification and intelligent mobility, the luxury vehicle market is entering a new era in which technological innovation is redefining the premium experience. Leveraging Hong Kong’s position as a globally connected international hub, ZEEKR will continue to deepen its global presence and advance the evolution of luxury through innovation. Through cutting-edge technologies, exceptional products and comprehensive lifecycle services, ZEEKR is committed to delivering a distinctive technology-luxury mobility experience for customers around the world.
Hashtag: #ZEEKR
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Zeekr
Zeekr is the global luxury electric vehicle technology brand from Geely Auto Group. Utilizing advanced software-defined architectures and cutting-edge propulsion technologies, Zeekr is dedicated to creating a fully integrated user ecosystem with innovation at its core.
Media OutReach
A Decade of Sharing the Flavors of China: ‘Chinese Restaurant’ Stays True to Its Mission Through Food and Culture
Over the past nine years, Chinese Restaurant has traveled across multiple countries and regions, including Thailand, France, Italy, and Hungary. Looking back on its journey of cultural exchange, the program launched a dedicated Chinese food truck in France, allowing local residents and visitors to conveniently experience authentic Chinese flavors. In Hungary, food served as a unique language that fostered deeper intercultural understanding. During the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the program actively responded to the Belt and Road Initiative, using cultural interaction and culinary exchange to strengthen friendship between the two nations.
Now, standing at the threshold of its second decade, Chinese Restaurant: Nanyang Memories Season returns to Thailand, drawing upon the longstanding cultural, tourism, and people-to-people ties between China and Thailand. Through food and storytelling, the program once again brings Chinese culture to life on Southeast Asian soil.
The new season introduces an innovative business model inspired by traditional Chinese agricultural wisdom, creating a distinctive experience that combines pastoral ecology with the aesthetics of contemporary Chinese dining. New service concepts, including the “Chef’s Table” and “Chef at Home,” offer guests diverse culinary experiences while naturally integrating Chinese cuisine into everyday local life.
For ten years, Chinese Restaurant has remained committed to its original vision: telling authentic and heartfelt Chinese stories while showcasing the unique appeal of Chinese cuisine to global audiences. Through food, the program has helped narrow cultural distances, deepen international understanding, and highlight the confidence, vitality, and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.
The premiere episode of Chinese Restaurant: Nanyang Memories Season coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival, as the seven partners begin a brand-new entrepreneurial adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand. From unexpected operational challenges and cultural differences to the dynamic interactions among team members with diverse personalities, the journey promises a wealth of memorable moments and compelling stories for viewers.
Over the years, the Chinese Restaurant franchise has consistently used authentic Chinese cuisine as a bridge connecting people across cultures. Every dish reflects the traditions and warmth of Chinese daily life, while every shared meal conveys the spirit and values of Eastern culture. Set against real-world international backdrops, the program vividly presents the depth and richness of Chinese civilization.
Today, Chinese Restaurant is far more than a culinary reality show. It has become a platform for cultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship between China and the world. Through the universal language of food, the program continues to bring people closer together, allowing Chinese flavors and Chinese stories to resonate across borders and leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Hashtag: #MGTV
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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