Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Korean developers take part in global boom in obesity treatments

The global boom in obesity treatments has evolved into a race centered on edible weight loss medications among pharmaceutical companies worldwide — and Korean developers are also taking part.

2026-04-13

Anti-obesity drugs thin out fitness industry as spending shifts, gyms close

Anti-obesity drugs are thinning out the fitness industry. The once-thriving "dumbbell economy" that saw fitness-driven spending soar is going on a forced diet as people turn to medical solutions for weight management.

2026-04-05

Regulators stepping in to stop rise of fake diet drugs from flooding the market

Counterfeit diet products that imitate the names and packaging of obesity drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are spreading online. Regulators have stepped up enforcement as consumer confusion about which products are genuine continues to grow.

2026-02-23

Novo Nordisk launches Wegovy weight-loss pill for sale in U.S.

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is launching its once-daily Wegovy pill in the United States on Monday, offering doses of 1.5 milligrams and 4 milligrams at $149 per month for self-paying patients in an intensely competitive weight-loss drug market.

2026-01-06

Thirty-five cases of adverse reactions to Mounjaro reported in first month of availability

Thirty-five cases of adverse reactions or serious side effects were reported in Korea within the first month of the release of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weight loss drug developed by Eli Lilly.

2025-12-10

Government to designate Wegovy and Mounjaro as drugs of concern for misuse

The government plans to designate medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro as “drugs of concern for misuse,” citing widespread off-label use for cosmetic weight loss.

2025-10-27

Gov't eyes oversight measures to prevent Wegovy misuse

Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said Wednesday that the government will establish new oversight measures to prevent excessive prescriptions and misuse of Wegovy, an injectable obesity treatment.

2025-10-16

Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk to slash 9,000 jobs as competition heats up

Novo Nordisk will cut 9,000 jobs and restructure to save $1.3 billion annually amid increased competition for Wegovy and Ozempic, expecting slower growth.

2025-09-10

Wegovy prescriptions near 400,000 as experts concerned over widespread use, health risks

Prescriptions for popular weight-loss drug Wegovy have soared in Korea, reaching nearly 400,000 just eight months after its launch. But doctors and health officials warn of reckless use far beyond the drug's approved purpose.

2025-08-25

Korea's obesity drug market heats up as Mounjaro launches and Wegovy cuts price

Korea's obesity drug market, currently dominated by Wegovy, is bracing for a shake-up as Mounjaro, a drug with a more potent weight-loss effect, is set to be distributed in Korea from Wednesday.

2025-08-19