To mark World Obesity Day 2025, Novo Nordisk participated in the Chula Obesity Day event, organised by Chulalongkorn University. As part of the session “How Cities and Partnerships Drive a Sustainable Future Against Obesity,” which aligned with the global theme “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” Thai authorities—including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)—gathered to discuss the growing obesity crisis in Thailand and the role of public-private partnerships in addressing it.
With over 40% of Thai individuals classified as overweight or obese, a condition with profound healthcare, economic, and social implications, policymakers explored initiatives and strategies to tackle obesity at both national and metropolitan levels.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasised the city’s role in shaping healthier lifestyles, stating, “Cities, through urban planning and healthcare access, directly impact residents’ well-being. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration believes that by collaborating with health organisations and businesses, we can foster a city that promotes healthier living.”
Recognising the importance of public-private collaboration, Novo Nordisk has been working with cities worldwide through its ‘Cities for Better Health’ initiative to address obesity and chronic diseases. This holistic approach focuses on promoting health equity, expanding prevention efforts, and reducing health barriers for vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Mr Enrico Cañal Bruland, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Thailand, expressed hope for Bangkok to join the initiative, stating, “Obesity is a major challenge in large cities like Bangkok—too complex for any single entity to tackle alone. Multisectoral collaboration, such as ‘Cities for Better Health,’ is the way forward for a healthier, more sustainable society.”
Novo Nordisk Thailand is currently in discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Danish Embassy in Thailand to explore opportunities for implementing Cities for Better Health in Bangkok, with a particular focus on childhood obesity. This initiative represents a crucial step toward sustainable obesity management in Thailand.
