Novo Nordisk Launches “Live Lighter” Initiative in Pakistan to Address Rising Obesity Challenge

Karachi: Danish global healthcare company Novo Nordisk has officially launched its “Live Lighter” initiative in Pakistan, aiming to raise awareness and improve care for people living with obesity, during a high-profile event held at Mohatta Palace in Karachi.

The launch brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, media representatives, and social influencers to highlight obesity as a growing but often misunderstood public health challenge in the country.

Despite its rising prevalence in both Pakistan and globally, obesity is still frequently viewed as a matter of personal lifestyle choice rather than a complex medical condition. Health experts at the event stressed that obesity is closely linked to more than 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, kidney and liver disorders, and certain types of cancer. These conditions not only reduce quality of life but also place significant pressure on healthcare systems.

Speaking at the event, Denmark’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Maja Mortensen, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in improving health outcomes. She highlighted Denmark’s long-standing expertise in healthcare innovation and expressed optimism about its positive contribution to Pakistan’s healthcare sector through partnerships like this initiative.

Prof. Emerita Tasnim Ahsan, Dean of the Medicell Institute of Diabetes Endocrinology & Metabolism and Director at OMI Hospital, noted that obesity in many cases requires medical intervention under professional supervision. She urged patients to openly discuss treatment options with healthcare providers rather than delaying care due to stigma or misconceptions.

Novo Nordisk Pakistan Representative Rashed Rafique Butt stated that obesity should no longer be sidelined in healthcare discussions. He pointed to the company’s three decades of research in obesity management, describing the initiative as part of a long-term commitment grounded in science, patient safety, and responsibility.

The “Live Lighter” initiative is expected to focus on awareness, education, and encouraging early medical consultation for obesity management, in a country where non-communicable diseases are rapidly increasing.