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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Anti-obesity drug war heats up as Wegovy and Mounjaro boost sales
India's Rs 628-crore anti-obesity market sees heightened competition as Wegovy and Mounjaro post strong sales amid rising obesity and growing doctor awareness 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
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Can 2 blockbuster weight loss injectables, Wegovy & Mounjaro, fight India's obesity curve? Listen in to the experts
With the launch of Wegovy by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk and US major Eli Lilly's Mounjaro already in circulation, Indians now have two injectable therapies for obesity management. Both therapies can be effective for weight loss, with users losing 15 per cent to 20 per cent of their body weight, almost equivalent to bariatric surgeries. This is significant considering obesity is on the rise in India, with nearly 254 million people living with it, according to the INDIAB study. We spoke to Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman, endocrinology, Max Healthcare. The GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic natural gut hormones responsible for blood sugar and appetite control, such as semaglutide – the active ingredient in Wegovy. It improves secretion of insulin, inhibits glucose production in the liver and slows down digestion. Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, additionally mimics the GIP hormone, primarily by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. GIP also influences lipid metabolism and cardiovascular function. Other than weight loss, both have cascading benefits on other health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnoea. While the popularity of this class of medicines soared in 2017 after diabetics on semaglutide started losing weight — leading to the off label use of the medicine by many for weight-loss — predecessors of this medicine have been available in the market for years, showing a good safety profile. 'The data from various GLP-1 RA trials are applicable to Indians as well because global trials did have Indian participants. Besides, other GLP-1 RA drugs have been in use since 2005, with a good safety profile. Over the years, the capacity for weight loss has increased,' says Dr Mithal. 'It will be beneficial for Indians because of the way we tend to store fat around the abdomen, even with low BMI (body mass index), or what we call skinny fat,' he adds. Indians already have a poor muscle mass, so would they want to lose more of it? 'The muscle loss with these medicines is equivalent to that seen with any sharp weight reduction, be it through diet or bariatric surgery. There is no evidence to show that the muscle loss with these medicines is more. In fact, there is data emerging that these drugs and some of the newer ones may be muscle-protective,' says Dr Mithal. But there's a caveat. The drugs have to be taken in conjunction with a good diet and exercise to ensure healthy weight loss. There are certain contraindications. The drugs are known to initially cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. 'So, people who are at a high risk of gastric conditions should not be given the medicine. It should not be prescribed in people who have long standing diabetes with sluggish peristalsis (contraction and relaxation of the digestive track to push the food through), gastric obstructions and those prone to nausea. In rare cases, the drug is known to cause stomach paralysis. It should not be prescribed to people who have a family history of thyroid cancers as well,' says Dr Mithal. Trials with semaglutide have shown the ability to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by 20 pr cent and the risk of all-cause mortality by 19 per cent. Studies have shown a 69 per cent reduction in heart failure events. The drug can resolve fatty build-up in the liver in 63 per cent of patients and improve liver fibrosis — the hardening of liver tissue due to fatty deposits — in 37 per cent of cases. Tirzepatide, while reducing body weight by 20 per cent, has been approved for the treatment of obesity-related obstructive sleep apnoea — a condition where a person's breathing stops and starts while they sleep. Trials have also shown that it can improve lipid profile. And, the reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause death by 20%. 'There is no doubt that the medicines are effective for kidney and heart conditions. There is also evidence that has emerged about fatty liver disease. But what I am most excited about is the evidence to show that the medicines are associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's and other dementia,' says Dr Mithal. He noted how those who have used these drugs for some time have reduced cravings now. 'They are not only eating smaller but healthier meals. There is also evidence to show that it helps with alcohol addiction,' he says. The drug is approved for use in children and adolescents in other countries to combat teen obesity. There is a small subset of adolescents who may indeed benefit from these drugs — someone who is obese and has other associated problems such as diabetes, polycystic ovary, or facial hair for women, or those who are unable to shed the weight despite lifestyle interventions. However, Dr Mithal advises caution. 'If you reduce nutritional intake in children, it may have negative consequences. Also, how long it can be given?' he asks. Dr Mithal says it can be beneficial for relieving symptoms of conditions such like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) in women, improving their chances of pregnancy. However, the drug has to be discontinued during pregnancy. 'A lot of answers are needed,' he says. There might be a case for tapering the doses of the medicine in some patients, although there is no data yet for this. In fact, Dr Mithal says, there are studies to show that those who discontinued the medicine started putting on some of the body weight back. 'The tapering of the drug has to come with change in lifestyle to sustain the weight loss,' he adds. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
India Gazette
07-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Healthy India can be ensured through healthy food habits and lifestyle: JP Nadda on World Food Safety Day
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 7 (ANI): On the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, delivered the keynote address at a special programme themed 'Stop Obesity by Eating Safe and Healthy' at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a release. JP Nadda said that a healthy India is necessary for Viksit Bharat, and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits, and lifestyle. Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, the programme focused on the critical role of food safety and nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases such as obesity, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to promote preventive health through traditional and wholesome dietary practices. Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Karnataka, Dr Sharan Prakash R Patil, Members of Parliament, Lahar Singh Siroya and P C Mohan, Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava and senior officers of the Government of India also attended the event. In his keynote address, Nadda reiterated the Prime Minister's emphasis on preventing obesity and prioritising wellness. Emphasizing the urgent need to address the rising burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases, Nadda stated that 'the awareness initiative to stop obesity is a timely step towards educating people about the health risks of poor dietary habits and encouraging them to embrace balanced, nutritious food' and underlined that 'for a Viksit Bharat, a healthy India is necessary and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits and healthy lifestyle.' The Union Health Minister underlined the importance of safe, healthy, and nutritious food and the benefits of a balanced diet that can ensure increased immunity. Nadda reaffirmed the commitment to this year's World Food Safety Day theme, 'Food Safety: Science in Action.' Recognising the alarming trend of rising obesity, citing the ICMR-India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, Nadda stated that 'from 2008 to 2020, obesity in urban India has increased by 39.6 per cent, while it has increased 23.1 per cent in rural areas.' He also cited another study that projects that by 2050, 1/3 of the country's population will be obese. Underlining the challenge of unhealthy foods and dietary habits, especially in urban areas, Nadda stressed that children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to adulterated foods, as they are attracted towards unhealthy foods and their advertisements. To meet this challenge, he called for ensuring awareness at a young age to bring a better impact. Highlighting the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on health, Nadda urged everyone to be careful of their food habits and adhere to nutritious food that brings healthy changes to one's mind and body. He further added that 'eating right is a right that one must exercise. Eating right and ensuring awareness about it is a collective responsibility of the government, industry, academia, and individuals.' Nadda urged all stakeholders to respond to the Prime Minister's clarion call and reduce oil consumption by 10 per cent and salt intake, which can be ensured through awareness of the right food habits. Nadda also commended the innovative behavioural change strategy i.e., the widespread promotion of Sugar and Oil Boards across schools, workplaces and public institutions, developed by FSSAI under the aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare that serve as powerful visual advocacy tools, displaying clear, relatable information about hidden sugars and fats in everyday food items. By embedding these messages in common spaces- canteens, corridors, meeting rooms- they subtly nudge individuals to make healthier choices. He also suggested that to make the initiative more effective, calorie intake should also be highlighted along with sugar, and he urged the incorporation of awareness in the curriculum. Emphasising the importance of traditional foods, Nadda urged all to 'go for traditional foods that include foods like millets and revive them to ensure health for all.' He further highlighted the importance of informed choices and lifestyle changes and remarked that food safety habits are a continuous process that needs to be made a part of our lives and turned into a movement to 'eat right' while adhering to food safety norms.' (ANI)
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Healthy food habits and lifestyle key for Viksit Bharat: JP Nadda
New Delhi: Embracing healthy food habits and following a proper lifestyle is essential for India to be Viksit Bharat by 2047, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Saturday. Delivering the keynote address at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, the Union Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on preventing obesity and prioritising wellness. This is also critical to check the rising burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), J.P. Nadda said. 'For a Viksit Bharat, a healthy India is necessary and that can be ensured through the right types of food, healthy food habits and healthy lifestyle," he said. Highlighting the rising burden of NCD, the Health Minister, based on the ICMR–India Diabetes (INDIAB) study, stated that 'from 2008 to 2020, obesity in urban, India has increased by 39.6 per cent, while it has increased 23.1 per cent in rural areas". He also shared another study that projects that one third population of the country will be obese by 2050. J.P. Nadda called the awareness initiatives to stop obesity "a timely step towards educating people about the health risks of poor dietary habits and encouraging them to embrace balanced, nutritious food'. Further, he stressed the need to boost awareness from young age -- as children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to adulterated foods as they are attracted towards unhealthy foods and their advertisements. In this light, J.P. Nadda commended the innovative behavioural change strategy that is, the widespread promotion of Sugar and Oil Boards across schools, workplaces and public institutions, developed by FSSAI . The Health Minister urged all stakeholders to respond to the Prime Minister's clarion call and reduce oil consumption by 10 per cent and reduce salt intake that can be ensured through awareness towards right food habits. The Union Health Minister also emphasised the importance of traditional foods like millets. Citing the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, J.P. Nadda stated that food safety habits must be a continuous process. It should be "made a part of our lives and turned into a movement to 'eat right' while adhering to food safety norms,' the Health Minister added.
