Novo Nordisk strengthens commitment to obesity care in the Philippines

Built on more than 100 years of scientific leadership in obesity and diabetes care, global healthcare company Novo Nordisk is reinforcing its commitment to advancing care for people living with obesity in the Philippines, as a new generation of treatments is set to reach Filipino patients.

At the center of this advancement are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medicines that work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate hunger and blood sugar. These treatments help people feel full longer, reduce cravings, and better manage their appetite, while also improving blood sugar control for those living with diabetes.

This dual benefit marks a significant shift in how obesity and related conditions are treated—not as matters of willpower, but as chronic diseases requiring medical care.

The rise of GLP-1–based treatments represent one of the most important breakthroughs in metabolic health in recent years. These medicines have, over time, demonstrated substantial and sustained weight loss outcomes in clinical studies—bringing obesity treatment closer to the effectiveness of surgical interventions, but in a less invasive form. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, GLP-1 RA medications have revolutionized weight loss and can reduce body weight in obese patients by between 15% and 25% on average after about one year. Their mode of action is to mimic the endogenous GLP-1, an intestinal hormone that regulates glucose metabolism and satiety.

This evolution reflects decades of research into the biology of hunger, hormones, and weight regulation, culminating in therapies that address the root causes of obesity.

“We are entering a new era in obesity care in the country. One that is grounded in science, compassion, and long-term solutions,” said Wei Sun, general manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines. “For many years, people living with obesity have been left with limited options and significant stigma. Today, with advancements in treatments that work with the body’s natural systems, we could transform outcomes for patients across the Philippines.”

Patient safety

As these innovations become more accessible, Novo Nordisk emphasizes the importance of patient safety and proper medical guidance. The company urges patients to seek consultation with qualified healthcare professionals and to use only approved, regulated medicines. 

With the growing global demand for weight management treatments, there has also been a rise in compounded or unregulated versions that may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

“Patient safety must always come first,” Sun added. “We strongly advise against the use of unapproved or compounded alternatives that bypass strict regulatory processes. These products may pose serious health risks and do not offer the same assurance of safety and effectiveness as approved medicines.”

Novo Nordisk’s efforts in the Philippines go beyond treatment access, focusing on increasing awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, supporting healthcare professionals with updated medical education, and partnering to expand access to safe, evidence-based care. 

Making Mealtimes “Refreshingly Real” for Every Filipino Family with Tang

Mealtimes today are no longer just about gathering around the table. More often, they come with phones in hand, scrolling through perfectly curated feeds filled with spotless kitchens and picture-perfect meals, quietly shaping what family life is “supposed” to look like.

But behind these polished snapshots is a different reality. Real dining tables are rarely perfect. They are a little messy, a little noisy, and often unpredictable. Yet, it is in these moments that conversations happen, laughter builds, and real connections are formed.

In a world where curated moments dominate social media, Tang, together with Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, invites Filipino families to drop the filters and embrace real life as it happens.

With its 2026 campaign, “Get Refreshingly Real with Tang,” the brand encourages families of all backgrounds to let go of the pressure to be picture-perfect and celebrate everyday moments that are messy, spontaneous, and authentically theirs. At a time when IG-worthy snapshots take center stage, Tang, alongside the Mercado-Trillo family, challenges Filipinos to share their refreshingly real stories, reminding us that while life may not always look aesthetic, it is always meaningful.

There is a deeper truth the campaign brings to light as well: Filipino families today come in many forms. Among them are blended families, where parents bring together children from different journeys and create a shared home grounded in understanding, adjustment, and everyday effort. These households are built not on perfection, but on showing up for each other, navigating differences, and finding connection in simple routines.

This is why Tang partnered with the Mercado-Trillo family, as they reflect this modern dynamic. In their home, different personalities, preferences, and routines coexist, requiring flexibility, patience, and constant adjustment. Rather than striving for a picture-perfect setup, they focus on what truly matters, showing up, making time, and creating moments that bring everyone together.

Jennylyn shares that family life is less about control and more about connection. “Hindi man pare-pareho ang gusto at ugali namin sa bahay, natutunan namin mag-adjust para sa isa’t isa. Mas importante sa amin na nagkakasama-sama at nag-eenjoy kami, kahit simple lang,” she shares.

This kind of honesty reflects what many Filipino families experience today. Behind every polished post is a more lived-in reality, one that includes small compromises, shared laughter, and even a bit of chaos at the dining table. In contrast to perfectly styled, top-view food content, Tang celebrates these unfiltered mealtime moments, where connection matters more than presentation.

For Dennis and Jennylyn, Tang has naturally been part of their everyday life. Having grown up with the brand, they now share it with their own family, where it becomes part of simple, shared routines that bring lightness to mealtimes. More than nostalgia, it represents continuity across generations, now redefined in a more modern, more real family setup.

“Tang talagang kinalakihan namin inumin mula nung bata pa,” Dennis shares. “Ngayon, kasama na rin siya sa moments namin sa bahay, lalo na pag magkakasama kami.”

For Tang, this reflects a more purposeful role in supporting the everyday realities of Filipino families today.

“Our ‘Refreshingly Real’ campaign is rooted in the belief that the most meaningful moments are the ones that are honest and unfiltered. Through this campaign, we want to celebrate everyday family experiences and show how Tang naturally becomes part of these real, shared connections,” said Karol Canlas-Apelo, Senior Category Marketing Manager for Tang, Mondelēz International Philippines.

“For Tang, this marks a new era for the brand, one that is more purposeful and deeply connected to the realities of Filipino families today,” said Adrian Manlapig, Marketing Director of Mondelēz International Philippines. “Beyond refreshment, we want Tang to play a more meaningful role as an ally to parents, supporting them in creating real, everyday moments of connection with their families.”

With its real fruit taste and wide range of flavors, Tang fits naturally into these everyday moments, helping make mealtimes more enjoyable and shared experiences more meaningful. Because in the end, it is not about creating perfect moments. It is about embracing the real ones.

Watch the film now on Tang’s official social media pages and see how refreshment comes from being real together.