The calls come thick and fast to Mumbai-based diabetologist Rahul Baxi - but not just from patients struggling to control blood sugar. Increasingly, it is young professionals asking the same thing: 'Doctor, can you start me on weight-loss drugs?' Recently, a 23-year-old man came in, worried about the 10kg he'd gained after starting a demanding corporate job. Dr. Baxi says he refused, emphasizing that weight-loss medications are not a substitute for a proper diet or lifestyle change. Such conversations are becoming common as demand for weight-loss drugs explodes in India, now home to the second largest number of overweight adults.[1] The drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are being hailed as solutions for weight loss, but their popularity raises concerns about medical supervision and the blurred lines between treatment and lifestyle enhancement.
Two new drugs dominate India’s thriving weight-loss market: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both belong to a class of GLP-1 drugs that mimic a natural hormone regulating hunger. While they produce effective results, prolonged use without exercise could lead to serious health issues, including muscle loss. India’s anti-obesity drug market has surged dramatically from $16 million in 2021 to nearly $100 million today.
The imminent expiration of the semaglutide patent may lead to the availability of cheaper generics, prompting predictions of significant market growth. However, experts express concern over the risks of misuse and the potential influx of counterfeit medicines, emphasizing the ongoing need for medical guidance in their prescription and use. Misconceptions about obesity – often viewed through a lens of societal wealth – challenge the understanding that it is a chronic disease requiring comprehensive management strategies, beyond just medication.
As obesity rates rise, the medical community is increasingly seeing weight-loss drugs used to improve health outcomes for conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Yet, doctors warn against using these medications for cosmetic weight-loss goals, instead encouraging dietary changes and regular exercise as foundational steps toward sustainable health.
Two new drugs dominate India’s thriving weight-loss market: semaglutide and tirzepatide. Both belong to a class of GLP-1 drugs that mimic a natural hormone regulating hunger. While they produce effective results, prolonged use without exercise could lead to serious health issues, including muscle loss. India’s anti-obesity drug market has surged dramatically from $16 million in 2021 to nearly $100 million today.
The imminent expiration of the semaglutide patent may lead to the availability of cheaper generics, prompting predictions of significant market growth. However, experts express concern over the risks of misuse and the potential influx of counterfeit medicines, emphasizing the ongoing need for medical guidance in their prescription and use. Misconceptions about obesity – often viewed through a lens of societal wealth – challenge the understanding that it is a chronic disease requiring comprehensive management strategies, beyond just medication.
As obesity rates rise, the medical community is increasingly seeing weight-loss drugs used to improve health outcomes for conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Yet, doctors warn against using these medications for cosmetic weight-loss goals, instead encouraging dietary changes and regular exercise as foundational steps toward sustainable health.
