&w=3840&q=100)
Anti-obesity drug war heats up as Wegovy and Mounjaro boost sales
Sanket Koul New Delhi
Listen to This Article
The battle between two global majors vying for a larger pie of the Rs 628-crore Indian anti-obesity market is set to intensify, even as demand and sales for weight-loss drugs rise in a country with the third-highest number of people living with obesity.
India has 254 million people with generalised obesity and 351 million with abdominal obesity, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research–INDIAB (India Diabetes) study.
This segment has been in demand with the India launch of Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in March and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) last month. While the former is currently priced between Rs
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
Head and neck cancer: How your voice, smile, and breath could be under siege
Head and neck cancer is a general term that refers to a wide range of malignant growths that occur in or around the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, mouth, and salivary glands. They usually arise in the squamous cells of the lining that covers the moist, mucosal surfaces within the head and neck region. Collectively, head and neck cancers account for approximately 4% of all Indian and worldwide cancers. If they are caught early, most head and neck cancers are very curable, but because of the intricate anatomy and late detection in most cases, treatment can be difficult and may affect important functions like speaking, breathing, and swallowing. Common head and neck cancers * Oral cavity cancer: Involves the lips, front two-thirds of the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, and the hard palate. * Pharyngeal cancer: Occurs in the throat (pharynx), including the nasopharynx (at the back of the nose), oropharynx (mid-part of the throat, including tonsils and base of tongue), and hypopharynx (lower part of the throat). * Laryngeal cancer: Develops in the voice box. * Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: Occurs in the cavities behind the nose. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo * Salivary gland cancer: Although less common, may arise in glands that make saliva. Common risk factors associated with head and neck cancer There are several environmental, lifestyle, and biological conditions that contribute to head and neck cancer. They are: 1. Tobacco use One of the strongest risk factors, tobacco—whether in smoked or smokeless forms—is responsible for most head and neck cancers. Chronic irritation and DNA damage results from long-term exposure to tobacco carcinogens within the cells lining the mouth, throat, and larynx, substantially increasing cancer risk. 2. Alcohol consumption Heavy and chronic alcohol consumption, particularly when supplemented with tobacco smoking, raises the risk exponentially. Alcohol serves as a solvent that facilitates carcinogens in tobacco to enter tissue more readily. Synergistic action of tobacco and alcohol is especially potent in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers. 3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection HPV, especially the high-risk type 16, is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, notably in the tonsils and tongue base. As opposed to tobacco-caused cancers, HPV-related head and neck cancers tend to occur among younger persons and non-smokers and could have a more favorable prognosis. 4. Poor dental health and oral hygiene Poor dental hygiene, chronic denture irritation due to ill-fitting dentures, and gum disease can predispose to oral cancers. Inadequate dental care can postpone early detection of suspicious lesions. 5. Diet and nutrition deficiency A diet poor in vegetables and fruits—high in antioxidants and nutrients—can enhance susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers. Inadequate consumption of vitamin A and iron has been most commonly linked with mucosal degeneration and carcinogenesis. 6. Occupational exposure Exposure to some industrial chemicals like asbestos, wood dust, formaldehyde, and nickel compounds has been associated with cancers of the sinuses, nasal cavity, and larynx. Construction, chemical, textile, and leather workers are possibly at risk. 7. Radiation exposure Prior radiation therapy to the head and neck region, usually for benign disease in childhood or another cancer, will raise the long-term risk of thyroid and salivary gland cancers. 8. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection EBV is strongly linked with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, especially in Southeast Asian populations. Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs more frequently in areas such as northeastern India, southern China, and North Africa. 9. Age and gender The risk of head and neck cancer increases with age, typically affecting individuals over 40. Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop these cancers, primarily due to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use. 10. Genetic predisposition Although less common, certain inherited genetic syndromes such as Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita can predispose individuals to head and neck cancers at a young age. Head and neck cancers are eminently preventable through life-style modifications, earlier screening, and immunization (in the case of HPV). Public awareness regarding risk factors—specifically tobacco and alcohol abstinence, safe sex, and frequent dental check-ups—is the cornerstone of prevention of incidence and enhancing outcomes. Dr Harish Verma, Associate Director - Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram


Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Mostly unkempt, pink toilets in city remain inaccessible for women
1 2 3 4 5 6 Lucknow: Despite the govt's initiative to establish Pink Toilets exclusively for women, the ground reality in the city's major markets paints a disappointing picture. A reality check by TOI across four key commercial areas—Alambagh, Aminabad, Hazratganj, and Bhoothnath—revealed that many of these facilities are either non-functional, locked, or completely missing, worsening sanitation challenges for women. In Alambagh, the Pink Toilet was found either locked or lacking basic amenities like water and cleanliness. Several women reported being asked to pay Rs 10 per use, despite no female attendant being present. As a result, many prefer using the Sulabh Shauchalaya, which charges Rs 2, or nearby hospital toilets. Rashmika (35), who was pregnant at the time, said, "I urgently needed a washroom, but a man was collecting money outside. There was no female staff and the place was filthy. I've avoided Pink Toilets ever since." Farana (32), a bangle seller, said she uses the toilets at Chander Nagar Hospital due to the poor condition of the Pink Toilet. Another local vendor, Mausami (32), added, "The Pink Toilet is rarely open, and when it is, they charge more than Sulabh." Hema Ahuja, a shop owner, said her last visit six months ago revealed the facility had no water. In Aminabad, the Pink Toilet reportedly remained shut since its construction two years ago. "I've never seen it open," said Akash (30), a salesperson at a nearby Bata store. Many, like garment seller Sarojini Kashyap (63), were unaware of its existence altogether and continue to use Sulabh Shauchalaya. Puja (31), a dry fruit vendor, said the stench from the Sulabh facility drives away her customers. "Women have no choice but to use it since the Pink Toilet is always locked. I've even complained to officials," she added. In Hazratganj, the city's most central and high-footfall market, there is no Pink Toilet at all. Ranjana (29), a constable at the Pink Booth, said women are allowed to use the booth's toilet only in emergencies. Bhoothnath faces a similar situation. The market has no Pink Toilet, and vendors like flower seller Geeta (37) have stressed the urgent need for a women-only sanitation facility. Additional municipal commissioner Lalit Kumar said, "In the tender document, it was envisaged that the Pink Toilet would operate with the support of an attached shop and advertisements on its wall, at no additional cost to the LMC. However, we found few takers. That's why you are facing difficulties in running them. We are sending a letter to the ADG 1090 to request additional funds to operate them as originally targeted. "


The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
Young medico's campaign brings smart school to Rajasthan's Chambal ravines
A unique campaign led by a young medico to improve the living conditions in a small village situated in Rajasthan's Chambal ravines, which was devoid of basic infrastructure to sustain life, has brought a smart school to the region. The Indian-Norwegian Community, a voluntary group from Oslo, Norway, has rendered help for the campaign. The Rajghat village in Dholpur district is deprived of the benefits of schemes designed for panchayats because of its location in the municipal limits. The 'Save Rajghat Campaign' of Ashwani Parashar, 28, first brought electricity to the village with a population of just 350 and later drew the attention of international donors who have pitched in to support the efforts to build the infrastructure. Village of Boatmen The village is inhabited mostly by boatmen, who work as daily wage labourers. Interestingly, the shooting for Hindi films Bandit Queen and Paan Singh Tomar, based on the Chambal dacoits, was done near Rajghat. An old and single-room government primary school in a dilapidated condition – the only educational institution in Rajghat – has given way to a smart school with two classrooms, an office room and a small verandah, constructed in the shape of train coaches. The installation of a smart board in the school has stopped the student dropouts. Dr. Parashar told The Hindu that the Indian-Norwegian Community carried out crowdfunding to support the 'Save Rajghat Campaign' through a project called Saksham. The school, which was on the verge of closure because of decline in admissions, is now functioning with a newly installed smart board. It has over 30 students enrolled, and new admissions are coming in the academic session which started on July 1. Dr. Parashar said his campaign would now focus on 'dignified life' for villagers, with a motorable road, clean drinking water and a fully functional hospital.