Weight loss drugs in India:
India has entered the global race for weight loss drugs with two options currently available. While these drugs are primarily used for diabetes management, they also aid in weight loss. The two drugs are Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. Mounjaro was launched in India in March, followed by Wegovy in late June. These weight loss drugs by Novo and Lilly help control blood sugar and slow digestion, making you feel fuller longer. But how many people in India are using these drugs, and how effective are they in weight loss? Let’s delve into this.
PM Modi recently referenced a Lancet Magazine report predicting that by 2050, about 440 million people in India will be affected by obesity, posing a serious challenge. Currently, around 40% of Indians are overweight, with 11.4% dealing with diabetes.
According to a study published in The Lancet, obesity and diabetes cases are rising in India, the world’s most populous country. This high obesity rate places India among the three worst nations globally. The Indian obesity drug market has grown fivefold since 2021, valued at 6.28 billion INR.
In terms of adults with diabetes, India is second only to China, with obesity rates consistently rising. A government survey conducted from 2019 to 2021 found that nearly 1 in 4 Indian adults is overweight or obese, compared to 1 in 5 adults five years ago. The World Obesity Federation forecasts that by 2023, the obesity rate among Indian adults will be 8%, much lower than the US's 22%. However, India’s population is four times larger, and the adult obesity rate is expected to reach 11% by 2035. Demand for GLP-1 drugs assisting in weight loss has surged in recent times. According to Goldman Sachs, the global market for this category of drugs is projected to hit approximately 10,790 billion INR by 2030.
Nadim Anwar, a pharmaceuticals analyst at data and analytics firm GlobalData, wrote in a
, 'Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors are driving obesity rates, impacting both urban and rural populations. These trends are fostering growth in the pharmaceutical market.'
Source: aajtak
According to data from Pharmatrac, which provides insights on the Indian pharmaceutical market, the drug Mounjaro, used for treating type-2 diabetes and controlling obesity, has gained immense popularity in India. Within just three months of its launch in March 2025, it registered sales of 50 crore INR. Pharmatrac's Vice President (Commercial),
, mentioned that the availability of new obesity medications and a willingness to trial them have driven market growth.
According to
, Mounjaro's monthly sales rose from 130 million INR in May to 260 million INR in June. Since its launch, Mounjaro's sales have more than septupled. From March to May, 81,570 Mounjaro units were sold, and in June alone, sales reached 87,986 units.
Indian pharmaceutical companies like Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, and Biocon are preparing to launch affordable generic alternatives, which may put India on the global map for the 12,450 billion INR ($150 billion) market over the next decade.
Wegovy and Mounjaro are priced between 17,000 INR and 26,000 INR per month, making them accessible primarily to individuals with insurance or substantial financial resources. Despite the high cost, enthusiasm for weight loss drugs among India's middle-class families remains strong. Doctors across the country report an increase in patients inquiring about these drugs.
According to Reuters Health Rounds, research indicates that the real-world effectiveness of these weight loss drugs is less than that observed in trials. Moreover, the World Health Organization stated late last year that while these drugs hold the potential to 'end the obesity epidemic,' they may negatively impact those lacking the financial means to access such treatments.
Dr. Manish Joshi, Additional Director of Surgical Gastroenterology and Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru, told Aajtak.in, 'Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is currently being used for weight loss in India. Initially utilized for type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now gaining fame for weight loss.'
'Both Mounjaro and Wegovy mimic a natural hormone (insulin) that controls blood sugar and appetite, improving glycemic control and assisting in weight loss. They are administered via weekly subcutaneous injections. These medications effectively reduce body weight, control blood sugar, delay stomach emptying, and induce satiety.'
'In addition to losing weight, they also reduce the risk of heart-related events for those with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy can be prescribed specifically for weight reduction in obese adults aged 12 years and older.'
'Mounjaro targets hormones regulating blood sugar and appetite, thus improving glycemic control and aiding weight loss.'
'For those seeking non-surgical options, these promising drugs offer hope for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment. They are used alongside diet and exercise, but expert consultation is recommended before use.'
How does Mounjaro work?
Source: aajtak
Mounjaro aids weight loss and type 2 diabetes management when combined with diet and exercise. It works in three key ways. It increases insulin secretion to control blood sugar. It enhances insulin sensitivity, improving the body's response to insulin. It suppresses appetite, making you feel full, reducing food intake, and promoting weight loss. The drug improves energy utilization and fat-burning processes.
Insulin is a natural hormone that controls blood sugar, or glucose, levels in the body. Mounjaro boosts insulin secretion, leading to increased insulin production in the body. This insulin delivers glucose to cells, providing energy to the body and aiding protein and fat utilization.
Additionally, Mounjaro enhances the body's insulin sensitivity, meaning the body responds more effectively to insulin. Mounjaro's hunger control is its third major impact. After eating, it makes you feel full, diminishing the desire to eat. With reduced food intake and increased activity, weight loss gradually ensues.
