New Delhi: In cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, doctors are receiving an increasing number of calls from young professionals seeking prescription weight loss drugs. Many are asking for injectable treatments that promise quick results. However, medical experts warn that these drugs are not magic solutions and can have serious side effects if misused or taken without supervision.
Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are now being widely used for weight loss in India. These medicines mimic a natural hormone that reduces appetite and slows digestion, helping users feel full faster. The drugs are sold under brand names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Mounjaro.
According to research firm Pharmarack, India’s anti-obesity drug market has grown from around 16 million dollars in 2021 to nearly 100 million dollars today. Novo Nordisk leads the market with semaglutide-based drugs, while Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide has quickly gained popularity since its launch earlier this year. A single monthly pen of these medicines can cost between 14,000 and 27,000 rupees, putting them out of reach for many Indians.
Experts say the growing popularity of these drugs is partly due to social media influence and urban lifestyle changes. Many young people seek them out for cosmetic weight loss rather than medical reasons. However, doctors caution that stopping the drugs often leads to rapid weight regain unless supported by proper diet and exercise. Without regular physical activity, users may even lose muscle instead of fat.
Some patients are also obtaining these drugs illegally through online pharmacies or unlicensed beauty clinics. The Delhi High Court recently raised concerns over the off-label use of such medicines for weight loss and has asked health regulators to review their sale. Authorities are also investigating incidents of counterfeit and stolen weight loss drugs being sold in the market.
Medical professionals warn that while these drugs can be effective for people with obesity or diabetes, they must be used only under medical guidance. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhoea, gallstones, and pancreatitis. India’s diet, which is often high in carbohydrates and low in protein, increases the risk of muscle loss when using these treatments without proper nutrition.
Experts believe the expiry of semaglutide’s patent in India next year will open the market to cheaper generic versions, making the drugs more affordable but also increasing the risk of misuse. Pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly have already partnered with Indian firms to expand local distribution, and new oral weight loss drugs are expected soon.
Doctors stress that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease rather than a cosmetic issue. They urge people to rely on long-term lifestyle changes instead of seeking quick fixes. Cutting sugar, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet remain the most reliable ways to manage weight.
As India faces rising obesity and diabetes rates, the country now stands at a crucial point between medical innovation and misuse. The challenge, experts say, is to ensure these powerful drugs are used responsibly and only for genuine health needs.