High demand weight-loss drug 'Wegovy' now covered by Japan's health insurance

TOKYO, Nov 23 (News On Japan) - Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk's anti-obesity drug "Wegovy" is now covered by Japan's public health insurance scheme. Doctor's, however, are concerned about the long-term effects of this highly addictive weight-loss treatment, and whether worldwide supply shortages will stop it getting into the hands of people who need it most.

The World Obesity Federation warns that by 2025, one in five adults worldwide may be obese, with a third of them having severe obesity with a BMI over 35.

Wegovy leads to an approximate 10% weight reduction through weekly injections of 2.4 mg, as per research including data from Japan. It's a self-administered injection that works by suppressing appetite and stomach movement, aiding in obesity treatment.

Chiba University Hospital's Dr. Kei Ono highlights the scarcity of such obesity drugs globally, with countries like Germany imposing export bans. In the United States, Wegovy's insurance coverage was approved in 2021, and its sales have more than tripled compared to the same period last year.

Another high-demand drug is "Ozempic," originally a diabetes medication known for its appetite-suppressing effects and used off-label for weight loss. Dr. Walden, an expert in obesity treatment drugs, notes the popularity of Wegovy and Ozempic in their clinic, with many patients seeking weight loss for cosmetic reasons.

However, Dr. Walden also points out that these drugs are not a permanent solution and can lead to dependency. Priority should be given to diabetic patients, and there are concerns about drug shortages due to unprescribed use, similar to what happened in the U.S.

Koichi Nagata, suffering from obesity with a BMI exceeding 42, has struggled to lose weight despite efforts like cycling, diet control, and weight training. Wegovy offers hope for fat burning and metabolic improvement, but concerns about side effects remain.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has guidelines against prescribing these drugs for non-medical weight loss. Dr. Ono expresses concerns about potential misuse for diet purposes and the resulting supply shortages, affecting those in genuine need.

Additionally, Dr. Ono warns of potential side effects like nausea and acute pancreatitis, emphasizing the importance of following prescribed dosages and medical guidance.

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed; framed as a successor to Abenomics with greater emphasis on growth strategy, the plan raises questions about what will change in people’s daily lives and how the administration intends to run policy behind the scenes.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Space Business Growth Expected to Accelerate Under Takaichi

Japan’s space industry is gaining new momentum under Prime Minister Takaichi’s vision of building a “strong economy,” with the sector identified as a key target for strategic investment alongside AI and energy security.

Nintendo Forecasts Record 2 Trillion Yen in Sales, Raises Switch 2 Outlook

Nintendo has raised its forecast for the upcoming fiscal year ending in March 2026, projecting revenue to exceed 2 trillion yen for the first time.

Nutria Infestation Expands Across Western Japan, Farmers Ravaged

Farmers across western Japan are facing mounting losses from the growing population of nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents originally brought from South America. Once imported for their fur, the animals have become a major agricultural pest, chewing through crops and spreading rapidly into urban areas.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

Tokyo Apartments Blow Past 100 Million Yen; What’s Driving the Spike

Condominium prices show little sign of cooling as even secondhand units in central Tokyo are routinely listed above 100 million yen, with a recent survey indicating the average price of new condominiums launched in the 23 wards in the first half of this fiscal year reached about 133.09 million yen and resale units have exceeded 100 million yen for five consecutive months, underscoring a market in which construction and labor costs have jumped, demand has spilled over into used stock, and buyers are being urged to scrutinize properties more carefully.

Nikkei Closes at Record High, Surpassing 52,000 Yen for the First Time

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at a record high of 52,411 yen on October 31st, up 1,085 yen from the previous day, marking the first time in history it has ended above the 52,000-yen level. This is the third consecutive day the index has reached a new all-time closing high.

Chinese Paper Companies Surge in Osaka Ahead of Visa Tightening

In a quiet neighborhood of Osaka stands a four-story building with around 40 rooms. Yet more than 100 companies are registered there, despite the absence of any visible workers.

UK Buyers Captivated by Yame Tea

Two tea buyers from London arrived in Fukuoka on October 28th to explore the unique appeal of Yame tea, one of Japan’s most celebrated green teas. The visit, organized by Fukuoka Prefecture as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports, aimed to introduce the rich aroma and depth of Yame tea to the United Kingdom, a nation long associated with black tea culture.

< 2 3 4 5 >