Obesity is on the Rise in Singapore and the Solution isn’t Just Willpower
If you have been struggling to lose weight despite following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re not alone in this battle. Nor is it your fault.
Singapore’s Weight Problem is a Growing Health Concern
Obesity is on the rise across the world, and Singapore is no exception. According to the National Population Health Survey, over 1 in 10 adults in Singapore are now obese, up from 10.5% in 2020 to 11.6% in 2022.
Among men, the numbers are even higher: 13.1% are suffering from obesity, an 11.9% increase from 2020. Meanwhile, among females, obesity increased from 9.3% to 10.2%. Obesity rates are also highest among adults aged 40 to 49.
But this is more than a cosmetic concern. Obesity is a chronic disease that significantly raises the risk of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, fatigue, and mental health issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image struggles.
It’s Not Just About Eating Less and Moving More
For so many years, obesity was viewed as a simple matter of willpower. Thus, the solutions were often centered on discipline and control over your lifestyle, diet, and physical activities.
But science now tells us that it’s much more complex. Obesity is now recognized by the World Health Organization as a chronic disease driven by genetics, hormonal imbalances, and even environmental and lifestyle factors.
These biological challenges can make sustainable weight loss difficult without medical intervention, even for the most disciplined individuals.
Why More Singaporeans are Turning to Medical Weight Loss Clinics
For those looking to lose weight effectively and sustainably, there’s a new solution backed by science: Optimum Plus, a doctor-led weight loss programme that combines medications, diet and fitness coaching, and clinical guidance.
What is Optimum Plus?
Optimum Plus is a medically supervised weight loss programme that includes:
Consultations with doctors
Prescription weight loss medications
Health coaching, including diet and fitness support from certified professionals
Unlike slimming centres or fad diets, Optimum Plus takes a holistic approach to help you lose fat (not just weight), improve your metabolic health, and sustain your results.
How do Weight Loss Injection Medications Work?
These weight loss medications mimic the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). A newer class of medication mimics GLP-1 and another hormone called gastric inhibitory polypeptide, or GIP. Both GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones which are a group of metabolic hormones that is produced after eating to regulate pancreatic function for insulin and glucagon hormones.
By replicating its effects, weight loss medications help support both blood sugar control and weight loss through several mechanisms:
Increasing insulin secretion: Helps lower blood sugar levels effectively
Suppressing glucagon: A hormone that raises blood sugar, particularly during fasting
Slowing down gastric emptying: Gives a prolonged feeling of fullness after meals, reducing overall food intake.
Acting on the brain: Significantly reduces appetite and food cravings, often referred to as "food noise."
Together, these effects allow individuals to naturally reduce their calorie intake without the constant struggle against hunger and cravings (or food noise), while also improving glycemic control.
The good news is, you can still enjoy your favourite foods, though in moderation.
Clinical studies show that people on a specific weight loss medication can lose up to 20% to 25% of their body weight over a year.
But Medication Alone isn’t the Magic Bullet
While medications can kickstart your weight loss journey, the secret to sustained success lies in building healthy habits. This is where the Optimum Plus program can help you best.
To complement weight loss medications, Optimum Plus also includes:
Nutrition coaching to help you eat better, not less
Personalized fitness guidance to help you preserve muscle
Ongoing support from health coaches and medical doctors
This integrated approach supports both short-term weight loss and long-term health benefits.
NOVI Health’s philosophy
on a holistic approach to battle excess weight
"Medications containing [some examples] can play a crucial role in fighting the rise in obesity, but they must be seen as part of a toolkit alongside diet, exercise and behavioural support, says NOVI Health co-founder Kyle Tan."
What Can You Expect from this Weight Loss Program?
Months 1-3
Your Optimum Plus journey begins in the first three months with a personalized treatment plan, designed by your dedicated doctor and supported by your personal health coach. During this time, you’ll experience a noticeable reduction in appetite, hunger, and food cravings, helping you feel more in control of your eating habits. With close monitoring, including a 30-day doctor review and ongoing coaching, many clients achieve a clinically significant weight loss of around 8% by the end of this phase.
Months 4-6 Months
From months four to six, many individuals reach 13–14% total weight loss, accompanied by positive changes in energy levels, body composition, and self-confidence. You’ll continue receiving medical supervision, and your health coach will help you build healthy, sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle.
Months 7-12
Between months seven and twelve, your efforts and consistency can lead to up to 20% total body weight loss or more. With continued guidance from your medical team and coach, this final phase focuses on solidifying lasting lifestyle changes. You’ll learn to make mindful, informed decisions around food and physical activity, while also improving some health markers, lowering your long-term risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Actual results may depend on individual factors and selected treatments.
Who is Eligible and How Much Does it Cost?
Optimum Plus is designed for individuals with a BMI of more than 27.5 (if Asian) / 30 (if non-Asian); OR BMI of more than 23 (if Asian) / 25 (if non-Asian) if you have a weight-related chronic condition such as diabetes, pre-diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hypertension, fatty liver, high cholesterol.
Pricing starts from $469 (including GST) per month, depending on the specific medication prescribed.
Speak to a Weight Loss Doctor Toward a Healthier You
You don’t need to struggle alone, nor do you need to go to extremes in your fight against obesity. With the NOVI Optimum Plus program, you’ll have medical guidance, weight loss medications, and a support team by your side.
Book your consultation today and discover how medical weight loss can work for you.