The Quezon City government on Wednesday, Mar. 4, marked World Obesity Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and promoting solutions to the global obesity crisis.

Healthcare company Novo Nordisk partnered with the local government to install a health education totem at Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC), reaffirming its commitment to advancing science-based obesity prevention and care at the community level.

In partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy, the initiative showcases Quezon City as one of the Philippine models for Novo Nordisk’s global Cities for Better Health (CBH) program, which supports cities in strengthening prevention, early detection, and long-term management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Alongside the totem turnover, a community walk and public engagement activities were held to promote awareness of obesity as a chronic disease and encourage an active lifestyle.

Positioned along QMC’s jogging paths, the totem gives passersby access to guidance on Body Mass Index (BMI), waist measurement, risk factors, and healthy behaviors, while introducing metered activity stations to motivate physical activity throughout the park.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the partnership reflects the city’s whole-of-government approach to preventive health.

“Together with Novo Nordisk and the Royal Danish Embassy, we are institutionalizing programs that make healthy living more accessible for our residents—from primary care and nutrition reforms to active public spaces,” she said.

Novo Nordisk Philippines general manager Wei Sun said cities play a crucial role in addressing obesity by shaping environments that enable healthier choices.

“Through Cities for Better Health, Novo Nordisk works with Quezon City to translate global evidence into local action by embedding prevention, education, and supportive infrastructure into everyday community spaces,” she said.

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Mellbin highlighted the value of cross-country collaboration in tackling global health challenges.

“This partnership reflects the strong ties between Denmark and the Philippines in advancing public health innovation. By combining global scientific expertise with local leadership, we can help cities build environments that support healthier lives for generations to come,” he said.

Under the CBH partnership, the QC government also held its first Obesity Summit and has pushed a proposed ordinance on obesity, which is set to undergo deliberations at the city council.

Meanwhile, other initiatives such as calorie labeling, workplace wellness programs, and expanded physical activity campaigns are implemented in the city.