In a powerful address during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spotlighted the growing obesity crisis in India, echoing the World Health Organization's concerns that over 250 crore people globally were overweight in 2022.
His simple advice "consume 10% less oil" offered a symbolic nudge towards lifestyle changes. But the conversation around obesity has since evolved, intersecting with science, celebrity culture and drug regulation. At the heart of this dialogue are two headline-grabbing medications: Ozempic and Mounjaro.
His simple advice "consume 10% less oil" offered a symbolic nudge towards lifestyle changes. But the conversation around obesity has since evolved, intersecting with science, celebrity culture and drug regulation. At the heart of this dialogue are two headline-grabbing medications: Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Weight-Loss Drugs In Spotlight
Originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have quickly become go-to solutions for weight loss, thanks to their dramatic effects on body weight and some high-profile endorsements.
From Hollywood to health forums, they have sparked global interest. In India, this buzz has reached a crescendo with the recent launch of Mounjaro by Eli Lilly, as it works by targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body, thereby enhancing insulin secretion, slowing digestion and promoting fat metabolism. Ozempic, meanwhile, targets GLP-1 receptors alone and has also been associated with significant weight reduction.
Between Clinical Promise, Celebrity Hype
The medical promise of these drugs is undeniable. However, their increasing use for off-label purposes — primarily weight loss in otherwise healthy individuals — is raising red flags. Influencers and celebrities have shared their experiences with these medications, turning them into aspirational lifestyle choices rather than regulated treatments.
The consequence? Indian doctors report receiving frequent calls requesting these medications, often without an underlying clinical need. The grey market is booming, with unregulated supply chains bringing in these drugs illegally. Worse still, unsupervised use has led to serious health complications, including gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.
Regulation, Responsibility, Role Of Healthcare System
While India has approved both Mounjaro and Ozempic for diabetes management, semaglutide has also received approval for chronic weight management under specific medical conditions, such as a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 with comorbidities. More recently, firms like Sun Pharma have received approvals to conduct Phase III clinical trials and bioequivalence studies for semaglutide injectables.
Despite regulatory approvals, affordability and accessibility remain significant challenges-particularly for medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic. Both are priced at levels that make them inaccessible to most patients in India, confining their use to wealthier, urban segments. Beyond cost, global supply shortages persist, and India continues to face disruptions. Consequently, even those who can pay often encounter inconsistent access, raising serious concerns about fairness and long-term treatment continuity.
These are not lifestyle drugs — they are potent hormone modulators that demand medical supervision, structured follow-up, and integration into broader health plans. The dangers of unsupervised use are considerable, including risks like pancreatitis and cardiovascular complications.
Reclaiming Control: Prescription For Responsible Use
Doctors must lead the dialogue, ensuring that medications are prescribed strictly based on clinical necessity and in accordance with approved indications. Regulators, in turn, need to strengthen enforcement against grey market sales and unapproved imports, while also rolling out awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of misuse.
Equally important is the role of public awareness-people must understand that health is not achieved through shortcuts. Sustainable weight loss continues to depend on foundational lifestyle choices, such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and mental well-being.
Between Innovation And Integrity
India stands at a critical juncture. The intersection of scientific innovation, regulatory frameworks, and social behaviour is defining the narrative around obesity. As promising as Mounjaro and Ozempic may be, they must not become the next "magic pills" misused without consequence.
Modi's focus on healthier living sets the right tone. Now, it is up to healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, legal experts and patients themselves to ensure that the tools available are used responsibly, effectively and ethically. Because when it comes to obesity, there are no shortcuts-only smart choices.
Biplab Lenin is a partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of NDTV Profit or its editorial team.
As a Subscriber you get
Stories
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Cipla To Take On Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk With Entry Into India's Weigh-Loss Drug Sector
Jul 13, 2025
Delhi HC Directs DCGI To Decide On Plea Flagging Concerns Over Approvals Of Weight Loss Drugs
Jul 02, 2025
Wegovy Vs Mounjaro Vs Ozempic: Obesity And Diabetes Treatment Drugs Compared
Jun 25, 2025
Wegovy Weight Loss Drug: Price In India, Doses, How Does It Work And More
Jun 24, 2025
POPULAR