India’s weight-loss drug market has witnessed a dramatic surge in recent years, fueled primarily by the growing concerns over obesity and diabetes in the country. Urban Indians, particularly affluent young professionals, are increasingly turning to advanced medications for weight management, reflecting both heightened health awareness and lifestyle shifts. Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr. Rahul Baxi reports a rising trend of patients requesting prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, though he often stresses that these medications are not substitutes for exercise and balanced diets. For instance, a 23-year-old patient seeking to lose weight gained after starting a demanding job was cautioned against relying solely on these drugs without lifestyle changes.
Originally intended to treat diabetes, these medications are now recognized as powerful tools for weight loss. Two major drugs dominate the Indian market today: semaglutide, available as Rybelsus (oral) and Wegovy (injectable) by Danish pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk, and tirzepatide, marketed by American company Eli Lilly as Mounjaro. Both belong to the GLP-1 class, which simulates a natural hormone that controls appetite by slowing digestion and signaling fullness to the brain. Typically self-administered once weekly via injection, these drugs curb cravings and, in the case of Mounjaro, also enhance metabolism.
Treatment begins with low doses, gradually increased to maintain effectiveness, and weight loss generally appears within weeks. However, doctors warn that stopping medication often leads to weight regain, as the body resists long-term loss. Extended use without exercise can also cause muscle depletion, posing further health risks, especially in India, where diets tend to be high in carbohydrates but low in protein, increasing the danger of sarcopenic obesity, where muscle and fat loss happen simultaneously.
The craze for these drugs among affluent Indians, boosted by social media and peer influence, has led to concerns about misuse. Some reports highlight gym trainers, beauticians, and dieticians prescribing or selling these medications without proper medical oversight. Online pharmacies have also been criticized for dispensing such drugs following minimal consultation, increasing the risk of inappropriate use and counterfeit products.
India’s anti-obesity drug market has expanded more than sixfold in five years, growing from about $16 million in 2021 to nearly $100 million now, according to industry data. With semaglutide brands dominating about two-thirds of the market, and tirzepatide quickly becoming a sought-after alternative, this surge is expected to escalate further. The upcoming expiration of semaglutide’s patent in India may introduce cheaper generic versions, potentially transforming the market into a billion-dollar opportunity but also raising misuse risks.
Medical experts emphasize that obesity in India is often misunderstood culturally, where excess weight can be incorrectly seen as a sign of affluence, leading to normalization rather than treatment. Obesity is linked to numerous serious conditions including various cancers, infertility, osteoarthritis, and fatty liver disease – now a leading cause of liver cirrhosis. However, the advent of these medications marks a shift toward recognizing obesity as a chronic disease requiring medical intervention.
Weight-loss drugs are not only prescribed for obesity but increasingly used in other medical specialties. Cardiologists, nephrologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and chest physicians recommend them to patients with related complications such as heart and kidney disease, sleep apnea, and before surgeries. India’s bariatric surgery rates have also soared dramatically, and multidisciplinary programs now integrate these drugs with nutritional and psychological support.
Doctors caution against using these drugs purely for cosmetic weight loss. They recommend adopting a holistic approach, including dietary changes such as cutting sugar – the biggest contributor to weight issues – regular exercise, and professional medical guidance. For modest weight goals, basic lifestyle modifications remain highly effective without the need for costly medications or injections.
