A new weight loss medication has been officially launched in Bahrain as part of efforts to tackle the country’s rising obesity rate, which affects around 40 per cent of the population.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) is a prescription drug approved for long-term weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
The once-weekly treatment works by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, helping patients eat less and manage their weight more effectively over time.
It is intended for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The launch was announced yesterday by Danish global healthcare company Novo Nordisk during a Press conference held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in Manama.
It was attended by Bahrain Diabetes Society vice president Dr Mariam Alhajeri, Bahrain Medical Society president Dr Amer AlDerazi, Awali Hospital endocrinologist Dr Dalal Alromaihi, Novo Nordisk’s general manager for Gulf Emerging Markets Venkat Kalyan, and Wael Pharmacy chief commercial officer Dr Ahmed ElKhodary.
Dr AlDerazi described the launch as an important scientific advancement for the kingdom.
“Obesity is a particularly serious concern in Bahrain, as it is closely linked to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which affects around 15pc of the population, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
“These increasing rates result not only in human suffering, but also place a significant economic and social burden on families and on Bahrain’s healthcare system.
“While the launch marks an important scientific advancement, modern weight loss medications should not be viewed as a shortcut.”
Instead, Dr AlDerazi emphasised, the medication should be used as a supportive tool to help patients manage their weight alongside other treatment measures.
“In some cases, Wegovy can be used before bariatric surgery to help reduce weight and improve control of associated conditions, which can lower surgical risks and enhance outcomes,” he said.
“It may also play a role after surgery for certain patients who experience a weight plateau or regain, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical assessment, proper nutrition, and lifestyle modification.”
Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injection pen that patients administer under the skin (usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) once a week.
Clinical research shows that, when combined with diet and exercise, Wegovy can achieve an average weight loss of 17pc over two years, with one-third of patients losing at least 20pc of their body weight.
Semaglutide 2.4mg has also been shown to significantly improve other cardiometabolic risk factors, including waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic parameters and c-reactive protein.
When asked how Wegovy differs from other weight loss medications, Dr Alromaihi explained that Ozempic is approved exclusively for treating type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight management in patients who are obese or overweight, regardless of whether they have diabetes.
“Many doctors had previously prescribed Ozempic ‘off-label’ to non-diabetic patients, which technically deviates from the rules. The availability of Wegovy now protects both patients and doctors from liability while improving care,” she said.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide; however, Wegovy is available in a higher dosage specifically for weight management.
She also highlighted that in the past, treatment options for obesity were very limited.
“It’s encouraging to now have treatments available at higher doses. Ultimately, the choice depends on cost. If the higher dose is affordable and provides better results, it would be the preferred option.”
She also stated that one of the most important insights gained over the past decade is that obesity is biologically regulated, meaning that body weight is not controlled by willpower alone.
Instead, it is strongly influenced by the body’s biological systems, especially hormones and brain signals that regulate hunger, fullness and energy use.
“This helps explain why many people struggle to achieve lasting results through lifestyle interventions alone, even though diet and physical activity remain essential,” she said, adding that obesity care must therefore be approached through a multidisciplinary strategy.
Prices range from BD50 to BD120, per month, depending on the dosage.
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