KPJ Healthcare Berhad and Novo Nordisk Malaysia have signed an agreement to work together to improve care for people with obesity and related health issues in Malaysia. This partnership will help create the KPJ Metabolic & Weight Management Programme, which is a hospital-based care model offering structured support from specialists in a regulated healthcare environment.
This collaboration is important because Malaysia has a growing problem with obesity and metabolic health. Recent data from the Health Ministry shows that 1 in 2 Malaysians are either obese or overweight, indicating the urgency of the situation. Additionally, about 15.6% of Malaysian adults, or one in six, have diabetes, often without realizing it. Obesity costs Malaysia over RM64 billion each year due to healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and early deaths.
Under this collaboration, both parties will work together to create a better care system that includes specialist consultations, diet support, lifestyle advice, and suitable medical treatments. The program will first start at 10 KPJ hospitals: Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Damansara Specialist Hospital, Damansara 2 Specialist Hospital, Ipoh Specialist Hospital, Johor Specialist Hospital, KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital, KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Kuching Specialist Hospital, and Tawakkal Specialist Hospital, with plans to expand over the next 12 months. Patients can join the program through hospital Health Screening Pathway and referrals while they are in the hospital.
The program will unite Health Screening and various Health Professionals, such as Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Bariatric Surgery, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Dietetics, and Pharmacy, into a more organized care model. Patient care in this program includes initial assessments, body composition checks, metabolic risk evaluations, personalized treatment plans, behavioral counseling, and follow-up appointments, with care lasting up to 6 months based on individual needs.
Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Berhad, said, “Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is closely linked to a wider spectrum of metabolic and non-communicable diseases, requiring coordinated, long-term management. Through this collaboration, we are strengthening a more structured and integrated care pathways across our hospitals, aligned with the KPJ Health System, which brings together clinical expertise, allied health support and evidence-based interventions within a consistent model of care. This reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver patient-centred care that is not only accessible, but also sustainable and outcome-driven.” In addition to patient care, the collaboration will also explore clinical education and responsible communication on obesity management, including the appropriate use of GLP-1-based therapies in regulated healthcare settings. This may include CME sessions and educational social media contents. The first phase is expected to involve 10 KPJ hospitals and 19 Consultant Endocrinologists.
Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia, said, “Obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term, evidence-based management. As awareness grows in Malaysia, it is increasingly important that patients are supported through medically supervised care pathways with the right clinical expertise and follow-up. Through this collaboration, we hope to contribute to holistic care for people living with obesity where there are often multiple overlapping health conditions and believe KPJ Healthcare’s aim for holistic care for Malaysians, makes them a meaningful partner in this effort.”
The collaboration aims to raise awareness of obesity as a treatable chronic disease among patients, employers, and the public. Malaysian clinicians and health experts emphasize that obesity should be managed through long-term, comprehensive care rather than short-term interventions. By combining clinical expertise, support, and education, KPJ Healthcare and Novo Nordisk Malaysia seek to advance sustainable and evidence-based obesity care in Malaysia.