Novo Nordisk Pharma and Hiroshima Prefecture Conclude Cooperation Agreement for Extending Healthy Lifespan
Novo Nordisk Pharma Co., Ltd. and Hiroshima Prefecture signed a cooperation agreement on April 13, 2026, aimed at extending the healthy lifespan of Hiroshima residents. Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. also participates as a business partner in this public-private partnership. The initiative focuses on promoting correct understanding of obesity, encouraging appropriate medical consultations, and addressing related chronic diseases. The agreement also details the definitions of obesity and obesity-related diseases in Japan, including 11 specific health impairments for diagnosis.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 22:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 16:35
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Novo Nordisk Pharma Co., Ltd., represented by President Keisuke Kotani, and Hiroshima Prefecture, led by Governor Mika Yokota, formalized a "Cooperation Agreement between Hiroshima Prefecture and Novo Nordisk Pharma Co., Ltd. for Extending Healthy Lifespan" on April 13, 2026. This agreement is a public-private collaboration designed to improve the health and longevity of Hiroshima citizens by establishing an environment conducive to the prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment of chronic diseases. Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. is a key partner, collaborating with the prefecture and Novo Nordisk Pharma to implement comprehensive regional initiatives against chronic diseases.
A specific measure includes promoting accurate understanding of obesity and facilitating appropriate medical consultations. Utilizing health check-up opportunities provided by partner companies, such as Chugoku Electric Power, the initiative will encourage employees eligible for obesity treatment to seek medical attention, thereby advancing treatment.
Novo Nordisk Pharma has a history of collaborating with local governments nationwide to promote chronic disease countermeasures and health promotion policies. Under this new agreement, the company will continue to deploy chronic disease measures in Hiroshima Prefecture that contribute to extending healthy lifespans, with a focus on obesity and related conditions, aiming to establish a sustainable regional model.
The agreement outlines objectives including spreading initiatives for extending healthy lifespans throughout society. Cooperation items cover: (1) dissemination of accurate knowledge regarding obesity/obesity-related diseases, (2) promotion of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity, (3) provision and dissemination of information on related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, MASLD/MASH) stemming from obesity, and (4) broader health promotion efforts for citizens.
Roles are defined for each participant: Novo Nordisk Pharma will conduct disease awareness campaigns for citizens and medical professionals and disseminate best practices from Hiroshima nationwide. Hiroshima Prefecture will also conduct citizen awareness campaigns, plan and evaluate obesity measures, and coordinate with medical associations and institutions. Chugoku Electric Power will encourage employees to seek medical consultations and conduct internal awareness activities on maintaining appropriate weight and obesity.
The article defines obesity in Japan as a state of excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Obesity-related disease is defined as obesity accompanied by health impairments requiring medical weight reduction. Eleven specific health impairments are listed as diagnostic criteria for obesity-related disease, including impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia/gout, coronary artery disease, cerebral infarction, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, menstrual abnormalities/female infertility, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders, and obesity-related kidney disease.
Novo Nordisk Pharma also operates "NovoCare™ Understanding Obesity" (https://www.novocare.jp), a website supporting individuals and families affected by obesity, offering educational content, quizzes, and interviews.
Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, is a leading global healthcare company.
A specific measure includes promoting accurate understanding of obesity and facilitating appropriate medical consultations. Utilizing health check-up opportunities provided by partner companies, such as Chugoku Electric Power, the initiative will encourage employees eligible for obesity treatment to seek medical attention, thereby advancing treatment.
Novo Nordisk Pharma has a history of collaborating with local governments nationwide to promote chronic disease countermeasures and health promotion policies. Under this new agreement, the company will continue to deploy chronic disease measures in Hiroshima Prefecture that contribute to extending healthy lifespans, with a focus on obesity and related conditions, aiming to establish a sustainable regional model.
The agreement outlines objectives including spreading initiatives for extending healthy lifespans throughout society. Cooperation items cover: (1) dissemination of accurate knowledge regarding obesity/obesity-related diseases, (2) promotion of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity, (3) provision and dissemination of information on related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, MASLD/MASH) stemming from obesity, and (4) broader health promotion efforts for citizens.
Roles are defined for each participant: Novo Nordisk Pharma will conduct disease awareness campaigns for citizens and medical professionals and disseminate best practices from Hiroshima nationwide. Hiroshima Prefecture will also conduct citizen awareness campaigns, plan and evaluate obesity measures, and coordinate with medical associations and institutions. Chugoku Electric Power will encourage employees to seek medical consultations and conduct internal awareness activities on maintaining appropriate weight and obesity.
The article defines obesity in Japan as a state of excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Obesity-related disease is defined as obesity accompanied by health impairments requiring medical weight reduction. Eleven specific health impairments are listed as diagnostic criteria for obesity-related disease, including impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia/gout, coronary artery disease, cerebral infarction, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, menstrual abnormalities/female infertility, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders, and obesity-related kidney disease.
Novo Nordisk Pharma also operates "NovoCare™ Understanding Obesity" (https://www.novocare.jp), a website supporting individuals and families affected by obesity, offering educational content, quizzes, and interviews.
Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, is a leading global healthcare company.