Hope, Hype, and Realities of New Weight-Loss Drugs Mounjaro and Wegovy in India
The article explores the rapid rise of Mounjaro and Wegovy, new GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist weight-loss drugs in India, highlighting both their transformative potential and the complexities faced by users. While these drugs, approved in 2025, are hailed as breakthroughs for obesity and type-2 diabetes, their high cost, side effects, and the unique ‘thin-fat’ obesity profile in India raise questions about accessibility, effectiveness, and long-term impact. Real-life stories reveal a mix of hope, emotional challenges, and the need for medical supervision.
The article begins with Shyamla Kashyap’s personal journey on Mounjaro, illustrating the emotional and physical highs and lows experienced by many Indians trying these new weight-loss drugs. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), launched in India in 2025, belong to a novel class of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists that regulate appetite and blood sugar, offering significant weight loss and potential cardiovascular benefits. Mounjaro quickly became one of India’s top-selling drugs by value, though its use remains limited to those who can afford the high monthly cost, as neither drug is typically covered by insurance. While the drugs have shown strong clinical results globally, their impact on India’s unique ‘thin-fat’ obesity—where people may have a normal BMI but high visceral fat—remains uncertain due to a lack of granular local data. Experts, including leading endocrinologist Dr. Nikhil Tandon, caution that while these drugs mark a turning point in metabolic medicine, their long-term benefits, especially in reducing cardiovascular mortality, are still being studied. The article underscores that these are not ‘magic pills’: success requires medical supervision, lifestyle changes, and patience. Side effects like emotional blunting and gastrointestinal discomfort are common, and the sustainability of weight loss depends on continued use. Despite the excitement, affordability is a major barrier, and the entry of generics post-patent expiry could democratize access. The piece concludes by emphasizing that the conversation around these drugs is just beginning in India, with their true impact on public health dependent on broader access, further research, and real-world experience over time.
