Women in Leadership and Health: Novo Nordisk Calls for Collective Action on Women-Centred Obesity Care

In conjunction with World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of attending the Novo Nordisk Malaysia forum for a vital conversation on “Women in Leadership and Health.” It was an eye-opening session focused on why we need a systemic shift in women-centered obesity care.

[From left to right] Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (M) Sdn.Bhd.; Ili Sulaiman, Celebrity Chef, TV Personality and Health Advocate; Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding , Marketing, and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB); Prof. Dr. Rohana binti Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist; Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer of IHH Healthcare

With Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey suggesting that more than 1 in 2 adults currently living with overweight or obesity1, the need for a unified response is more urgent. Malaysia now ranks among Southeast Asia’s highest obesity rates, affecting over half of adults. 

This is a trend that continues to rise and place pressure on families, healthcare systems and the nation’s long-term productivity. In conjunction with World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) brought together the voices of healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and people living with obesity to reframe how the nation understands and addresses this chronic disease. 

[From left to right] Panel discussion on Women in Leadership and Health by Tee Shiao Eek, moderator; Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer of IHH Healthcare; Prof. Dr. Rohana binti Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist; Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding, Marketing, and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB); Ili Sulaiman, Celebrity Chef, TV Personality and Health Advocate

Anchored under the theme Women in Leadership and Health, the discussion emphasised the need for driving equity, leadership, and systemic reform for women, especially in improving outcomes for who disproportionately experience the complexities of living with overweight or obesity.

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive disease shaped by biological, social, and environmental influences. Globally, women generally have a higher percentage of body fat content compared to men, and gender appears to be an important factor in the manifestation of central or peripheral obesity2. When it comes to weight management, studies comparing diet and exercise interventions have shown that men generally lose weight more easily than women due to differences in body composition3, as well as basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure4.

Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma (M) Sdn.Bhd., delivering his welcome note at Novo Nordisk’s International Women’s Day and World Obesity Day media event.

Dr. Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia said, “In Malaysia, women living with overweight or obesity often face a disproportionate burden, not only in terms of health outcomes, but also through persistent societal stereotypes that frame weight as a measure of discipline, appearance, or personal failure. These narratives can delay diagnosis, limit access to appropriate care, and contribute to stigma in healthcare settings, workplaces, and daily life. At Novo Nordisk, it is our commitment to support efforts that improve understanding, reduce stigma, and strengthen responsible, evidence-based obesity care in Malaysia.”

[From left to right] Panel discussion on Women in Leadership and Health by Tee Shiao Eek, moderator; Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer of IHH Healthcare; Prof. Dr. Rohana binti Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist; Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding, Marketing, and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB); Ili Sulaiman, Celebrity Chef, TV Personality and Health Advocate

Professor Dr. Rohana binti Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist added, “According to research5, 45% of people living with overweight or obesity experience ongoing weight-related challenges, with nearly half feeling controlled by their weight and 57% relapsing into previous eating habits despite sustained efforts. These findings highlight that obesity is not a failure of willpower, but a chronic condition, one that calls for collective care, supportive environments, and shared responsibility from families, workplaces, healthcare systems and society at large.”

Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding, Marketing, and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) shared, “Supporting women to achieve and maintain better health, including a healthy weight, should not be treated as a peripheral workplace issue. It is a leadership decision that shapes culture, builds confidence and drives long-term organisational resilience and talent outcomes. When workplaces embed practical support such as flexible time for healthcare appointments and credible health education to policies that prioritise wellbeing without judgement, women are better able to sustain healthy routines alongside professional and caregiving responsibilities, strengthening productivity and contributing to more equitable and resilient societies.”

Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer, IHH Healthcare highlighted that, “The global call of World Obesity Day reminds us that there are 8 billion reasons to act. When we invest in the right infrastructure and access to support women’s health, providing her with the resources, the time, and the supportive environment she needs, we aren't just helping one person, we are creating a ripple effect. When a woman is healthy, it leads to a healthy family, which builds a healthy workplace, and ultimately, a resilient community.” 

Ili Sulaiman, Celebrity Chef, TV Personality, and Health Advocate said, “Taking the first step to manage weight is never just a personal decision, it’s an emotional journey. Being surrounded with the right support system be it colleagues, friends, families, or even healthcare professionals make all the difference. When support is present, progress becomes more sustainable, setbacks feel less defeating, and managing weight becomes a shared commitment to better health, not a solitary struggle.”

This International Women’s Day and World Obesity Day, Novo Nordisk calls for more Malaysians to elevate women’s voices, choosing non-stigmatising and person-first language, challenge outdated stereotypes, and encourage more inclusive, supportive approaches to prevention and obesity care. 

As Malaysia continues to grapple with rising obesity rates, the need to shift public conversation is clear. Rather than framing obesity as an individual responsibility, Novo Nordisk remains committed to working with partners across sectors to advance health equity, strengthen community awareness, and build a future where women and all Malaysians can achieve better health outcomes without stigma.