Tribune News Network

Doha

Novo Nordisk Qatar has announced the launch of ‘New Me Can’, a nationwide disease awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness of obesity as a serious chronic disease and supporting informed public dialogue on long-term health.

Obesity has emerged as a major global epidemic, affecting approximately one billion people worldwide.

The Gulf region is witnessing some of the highest obesity rates globally. In Qatar, the challenge is particularly severe, with the current prevalence of obesity — defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher — estimated at 41 percent among adults, with a notably higher prevalence among women at 46 percent.

In addition, nearly 76 percent of people in Qatar are classified as overweight or obese, placing the country among the world’s 10 highest for obesity prevalence. These high rates are closely linked to the widespread incidence of related chronic conditions, including pre-diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The New Me Can campaign aimed to raise public awareness by reinforcing that obesity is not a cosmetic or lifestyle issue, but a complex chronic disease associated with more than 200 medical complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other cardiometabolic conditions. The campaign also addressed the growing misconception around rapid weight-loss ‘quick fixes’, emphasising that sustainable, medically supervised weight management is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting health outcomes.

Delivered through a comprehensive 360° approach – including digital platforms, media and digital engagement efforts, outdoor visibility, influencer and expert involvement, and on-ground public activations – the campaign encouraged individuals to access reliable information, evaluate their health status, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals.

Commenting on the campaign, Manvendra Singh, general manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar, said: “Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that continues to be widely misunderstood, despite its profound impact on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. With New Me Can, our objective was to elevate public awareness using science-based facts and to encourage responsible, informed action. Addressing obesity in Qatar requires long-term commitment and collaboration across individuals, healthcare professionals, institutions, and society.”

Through New Me Can, Novo Nordisk Qatar reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to public health, disease awareness, and patient empowerment, recognizing that obesity is a challenge we must face together, with science, responsibility, and sustained engagement.