Novo Nordisk Pharma and Hinode Town, Tokyo, Sign Partnership Agreement on Obesity Countermeasures

On June 2, Novo Nordisk Pharma K.K. (President: Keisuke Kotani, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) signed a 'Partnership Agreement on Obesity Countermeasures' with Hinode Town, Tokyo (Mayor: Toru Higashi). This agreement is a public-private initiative aimed at extending the healthy life expectancy of Hinode residents, optimizing medical costs, and correcting health disparities by promoting an environment that leads to early detection and appropriate medical care for obesity. Currently, about 60% of municipalities nationwide lack specialized medical institutions for obesity within their administrative boundaries. This can be a structural factor creating regional disparities for those in need of treatment to access proper diagnosis and care. This project is the first case in Japan, and the first in Tokyo, to build an access model for appropriate obesity treatment by strengthening cooperation within the secondary medical area. According to National Health Insurance data in Hinode Town, one in six insured persons who underwent specific health checkups has metabolic syndrome, and two in three have developed lifestyle-related diseases. The proportion of suspected obesity cases among the insured is also at a high level in Tokyo, making measures against high-risk obesity a critical issue. Under this agreement, Hinode Town will provide health guidance by nurses (or public health nurses) and registered dietitians to those who meet criteria such as a BMI of 25 or higher in specific health checkups and wish to receive guidance. Among them, those who meet the criteria for medical consultation recommendation will be supported in accessing appropriate treatment through referrals to local clinics or specialized medical institutions in neighboring municipalities, depending on the individual's preference. Obesity is a disease that is difficult to lead to appropriate consultation and treatment due to misunderstandings such as 'self-responsibility.' On the other hand, treatment under a doctor's diagnosis contributes to the improvement of related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Novo Nordisk Pharma has previously signed partnership agreements regarding obesity and obesity countermeasures with a total of five municipalities, including Chiba City, Kasugai City, Asahikawa City, Hirosaki City, and Hiroshima Prefecture. In this agreement as well, the company will support the construction of obesity countermeasures in the region under a framework where local governments and companies cooperate. In the future, the company aims to model the knowledge gained through this initiative and contribute to the realization of sustainable medical access without regional disparities.