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India Today
16 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Dr Ambrish Mithal decodes benefits of new weight-loss drugs
Dr Ambrish Mithal decodes benefits of new weight-loss drugs Jun27,2025 Credit: India Today Most type 2 diabetes patients are overweight, need to lose weight, and losing weight will help them even reverse or at least treat their diabetes better. Reverses diabetes Dr. Mithal describes body fat distribution in India is more on the belly. This, he says leads to a BMI lower than 30. However, the drugs can be used for someone whose BMI 27 and lower with comorbidities. Skinny fat Indians Dr. Mithal says that GLP-1 drugs are not magic but are powerful when taken along with proper diet high in protein and strength training. Credit: Getty Images GLP-1 drugs are not magic Rapid weight loss, especially without strength training, can lead to muscle loss. Therefore, while taking the medicines, ensure you exercise and have a proper diet to avoid severe muscle loss. Does it lead to muscle loss? The medicines have shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and even reverse fatty liver. Happy side-effects GLP-1 drugs can help improved infertility in women with PCOS. Beyond weight loss Weight-loss drugs are not for everyone. Dr. Mithal says that assessing various factors like obesity and diabetes are required before prescribing the medicines. Not for everyone 'You can't eradicate obesity by using these drugs you have to eradicate obesity by preventing it," Dr. Mithal says. Forever drugs? For years, metformin has been the standard first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. But newer medications are rapidly changing that equation, says Dr. Ambrish Mithal in conversation with Sneha Mordani for India Today's Booked. Beyond Metformin
India Today
19 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Side effects to surprises: Dr Ambrish Mithal on India's weight-loss drug revolution
India's struggle with rising obesity and diabetes is well documented. But a revolution is now underway, one that might reshape how we manage both conditions: the rise of GLP-1-based weight loss Ambrish Mithal, India's leading endocrinologist and author of his recently published book The Weight Loss Revolution, explains why these medications are here to stay, busting misinformation with METFORMIN: A NEW ERA IN DIABETES CARE For years, metformin has been the standard first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It's safe, inexpensive, and effective. But newer medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors are rapidly changing that equation.'With these drugs, you're moving far ahead of metformin because there is clear evidence that these drugs produce significant weight loss they protect your heart, they protect your kidney, they very likely protect your liver too. These drugs are bound to replace metformin sooner rather than later," Dr. Mithal people with type 2 diabetes in India, nearly 80 to 90%, are overweight. That makes them ideal candidates for GLP-1 drugs, which aid in weight loss while managing blood sugar levels.'The bulk, the large chunk of type 2 diabetes patients are overweight, need to lose weight, and losing weight will help them even reverse or at least treat their diabetes better,' says Dr. ALL FAT IS EQUALTraditionally, Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used to assess weight-related health risks. But Dr. Mithal points out that for Indians, BMI is misleading.'If you use just BMI, you will end up with a lot of Indians being classified as healthy when they have actually a lot of central fat or visceral fat," he said. Most people with type 2 diabetes in India, nearly 80 to 90%, are overweight. That makes them ideal candidates for GLP-1 drugs, which aid in weight loss while managing blood sugar levels. () This dangerous 'belly fat', also called visceral fat, triggers inflammation throughout the body. Dr. Mithal describes this typical South Asian pattern as TOFI -- Thin Outside, Fat ISN'T A MAGIC BULLETGLP-1 drugs now in India sold as Mounjaro and Wegovy, and semaglutide pills are not quick-fix solutions. Dr. Mithal stresses they must be part of a structured program that includes diet and exercise.'If you're using these drugs for weight reduction, don't depend on the drug alone,' he do this, he advises going on a high protein intake, adding more fibre in the diet, having small meals throughout the day and walking after MUSCLE LOSS RISKRapid weight loss, especially without strength training, can lead to muscle loss. 'If you lose 10kg, you've lost 2-3kg of muscle,' warns Dr. Mithal.'If you're using the drug just as a weight loss drug and doing nothing else you will also lose muscle.' GLP-1 drugs now in India sold as Mounjaro and Wegovy, and semaglutide pills are not quick-fix solutions. () He advises strength training and adequate protein to retain muscle mass and long-term health FACE AND OTHER SIDE EFFECTSThe popular term 'Ozempic face' refers to loose, sagging facial skin from sudden weight loss, not unique to these drugs.'Before these drugs came into the market, anyone we put on a very strict diet or someone who had bariatric surgery would have similar things.'Most side effects are gastrointestinal such as nausea, vomiting, and rare concerns include medullary thyroid cancer, although the link remains SIDE EFFECTS OF NEW-AGE DRUGSGLP-1 drugs have also known evidence of benefitting patients more than just weight and diabetes.'The data on these drugs is Alzheimer's diseas, better cardiac health, Parkinson's disease,' says Dr. Mithal. 'Sleep apnea goes down, fatty liver is reduced, and even kidney disease progression is reduced.' GLP-1 drugs have also known evidence of benefitting patients more than just weight and diabetes. () They may also improve fertility in women with PCOS. However, the drugs may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, leading to unintended pregnancies, famously known as Ozempic FOR EVERYONE AND NOT FOREVERThese drugs should not be used as public health tools, says Dr. Mithal. Prevention through lifestyle is still the best way to fight obesity. 'You can't eradicate obesity by using these drugs You have to eradicate obesity by preventing it," Dr. Mithal the long-term use of these medications depends on age, health goals, and reason for you're a 30-year-old, you certainly should not use a drug lifelong. I would take a deep breath after two years and see, what do I do now?' he most GLP-1 drugs are injectable and expensive, limiting their access in India. However, new formulations and more research are on the way."Remember, the GLP-1 field is just beginning to explode. There'll be many newer drugs with less and less side effects and easier to use," Dr. Mithal says.- Ends
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss?
Do weight-loss drugs really lead to muscle loss? Credit: Getty Images Renowned endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Ambrish Mithal told talked about muscle loss after consuming popular weight-loss drugs. While reducing weight, whether one is on a diet or even with exercise, body fat along with muscle tends to reduce. Muscle loss 'The body isn't so fine tuned to reduce fat only during weight loss. When you lose weight, you lose both fat and some muscle. To limit that, you need strength training and enough protein,' he explained. Exercise, especially strength training, is important to prevent muscle loss, a natural part of rapid weight loss, whether it's achieved through medication, dieting, or surgery. With both Wegovy and Mounjaro now accessible, India finally has two cutting-edge medical options in the fight against obesity. 'These drugs are designed for long-term use. They're filling a big gap in obesity care. But that doesn't mean lifestyle takes a back seat. These drugs work with lifestyle, not instead of it," said Dr. Mithal. Weight-loss drugs do not replace diet The current guidelines suggest prescribing drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide to people with a BMI over 30, or between 27 and 30 if they have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Guidelines for prescribing While Wegovy was launched on June 24, Mounjaro as available in the Indian market since March 2025. Expert have said that the new-age weight-loss drugs are not a magic cure but powerful ally to reducing obesity crisis.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Considering Weight Loss Drugs? Is Natural Weight Loss More Sustainable And Healthier? Expert Answers
For years, new diets and eating patterns created a buzz in the weight loss industry. Now, weight management has entered a new phase in which weight loss drugs have gained all the attention. Unlike traditional diet and lifestyle changes, weight loss drugs seem like a quick solution that can help achieve the desired weight. From Wegovy to Mounjaro, weight loss drugs are now widely available in India and around the globe. For the unversed, weight loss drugs are prescription drugs that are primarily used to treat type-2 diabetes. These injectable drug help manage blood sugar levels by mimicking two important hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) that regulate insulin secretion and appetite. Due to their weight loss effect, it has become immensely popular among individuals who are overweight or obese but do not have diabetes. How do they work? Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head - Endocrinology & Diabetes at Max Healthcare explained, "The present batch of weight loss drugs is they all work through the GLP-1 pathway. The GLP-1 is a hormone that is secreted in the gut and acts on the pancreas to control diabetes but also acts on the brain to reduce our appetite and improve our satiety. Now what these drugs do is they mimic GLP-1-like action because the GLP-1 produced in our body breaks down in one or two minutes." "So these drugs act on the brain and help reduce the appetite as well as improve satiety, making you eat less and ultimately resulting in weight loss. They also slow down stomach movement, delaying emptying of the stomach." Weight loss drugs Vs natural weight loss Calorie restriction, intense exercise routines, fasting and many other approaches are some of the common methods that have helped many lose weight in the past. While weight loss drugs can help with rapid weight loss with fewer lifestyle adjustments, the risk of regaining weight if healthy lifestyle changes haven't been implemented remains high. On the other hand, natural weight loss methods, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, promote a healthier lifestyle that is more likely to lead to sustained weight management. However, weight loss through natural methods tends to be slower, which can be discouraging for some individuals. "Losing weight naturally is always better than using drugs to do that. The challenge is that when people are significantly overweight, losing weight naturally does not come easily. We face that all the time in the clinic, we have patients who are struggling for years and years while trying to lose weight, actually don't succeed and if they do, the weight comes back on very soon," said Dr. Mithal. "The brain is wired in a particular way that you cannot control your food cravings, especially sweets. And these drugs act at that level. So, those who are unable to lose weight with lifestyle or fall in a zone where lifestyle measures are exceedingly difficult to implement to lose the required amount of weight, a combination of this lifestyle as well as medication is required. But yes, if someone can do it with lifestyle alone, nothing like it," he added. What are the possible side effects of weight loss drugs? Several social media users have reported bizarre side effects of continuous use of weight loss drugs ranging from kidney issues, and brittle bones to eye problems. However, Dr Mithal has mentioned that the side effects of these weight loss drugs are primarily gastrointestinal issues like nausea, reflux, acidity, constipation and diarrhea. "The good part, however, is they can be managed by just regular symptomatic remedies. And the other thing is that they tend to wane after some time. So, when you start this medication, you may experience these symptoms but slowly they go down over weeks. So, most people can tolerate them, but yes, initially there can be significant symptoms both related to upper gastrointestinal tract, that is like nausea, vomiting, or lower tract, like constipation or diarrhea," he added. Long-term side effects "Some people worry a lot about muscle mass loss, but that is a result of weight loss in general. So, it's important when one is on this medication to make sure that you are following a good diet, which should include high protein and high fibre foods and plenty of water. Also, exercise regularly to make sure that your muscles stay intact. Like this you can lose substantial weight with these drugs while preserving your muscle," the expert advised. Determining which method is "best" depends on an individual's health condition, goals and preferences. For many, a combination of both approaches may be the most effective strategy. Natural weight loss methods are generally more sustainable and promote better overall health in the long run. It is best to consult your doctor to choose the best weight loss approach. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Weight loss drugs changing way we look at obesity: Dr Ambrish Mithal
Mounjaro and Wegovy have hit the market, and with this the global weight loss revolution has come to India. Dr Ambrish Mithal's book— The Weight Loss Revolution— that's released on Wednesday provides a detailed insight into these weight management drugs and how to use them, in the Indian context. Speaking to HT about the book, Dr Mithal— a renowned endocrinologist— highlights the need for generating awareness among masses about the role of these drugs, who are the right candidates for it, and the side-effects— even though mild— that one is likely to experience. Dr Ambrish Mithal Does it look like we have reached the stage where no less than a revolution is needed for weight-loss? Excess weight is a precursor to most modern metabolic disorders but unfortunately the tools to help us lose weight have been very limited. It's been more or less a disaster actually except for extreme cases when you went for surgery, which was utilised by a very small proportion of the population. You really didn't have much by way of drugs that help you lose weight. So, the reason I called it the weight loss revolution was that to address the modern metabolic sort of issues, we need to address weight. And for the first time, this whole crop of drugs that is coming out now, they are changing the way we look at it because they provide us the ability to actually help reduce excess fat and, therefore, reduce all the consequences of excess fat. I think it's a revolution because before this, you were struggling with much lower degrees of weight-loss. Do you think people still are largely ignorant about the harm that being obese does in terms of health? Yes, a majority of people look at weight as a cosmetic problem. And even now I am surprised every other day when I explain the relationship between something as obvious as wait and diabetes, many patients are unaware of the association. Even if they do understand the relationship between health and weight, sometimes that is not enough motivation for them to dive deep into obesity. People get motivated much easier by cosmetic issues than health issues. How is the current class of weight-loss drugs different from its predecessors? This is the class of drugs called GLP1 drugs, and this class we have been using now for almost two decades. These were developed for treating diabetes, and the initial ones worked very well for diabetes with additional benefits of weight-loss. Research in this area continued— the molecule kept on getting modified— and what made the semaglutide standout was the degree of fat-loss achieved, which was remarkable. It hit 15-16% of the baseline weight that had never been seen before. This is the same class of drugs— GLP1— but the incremental improvements were such that the degree of weight-loss one could achieve was substantially greater. Semaglutide and another molecule called tirzepatide (mounjaro)— a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist— have crossed the line for us in terms of efficacy and broken the barrier of treating obesity. What about the side-effects of these drugs? Anything that has effects will have side-effects. Fortunately, these drugs don't seem to have any sinister long-term side-effects, but yes, tolerability can be an issue with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhoea that in selected patients— a small proportion— can be troublesome. But these are transient effects. Some other long-term effects related to the eye etc. are still in the realm of research. Can the weight come back later, if one stops taking these drugs? In severely obese patients and patients with disorders linked with obesity, it certainly is going to be a life-long therapy. There, however, is a huge chunk of people who are in-between and we don't know yet whether all of them should be on life-long therapy or not. There's likely to be a period of aggressive weight-loss and then a period of weight maintenance that would probably require much lower doses. These drugs need to be a part of weight management programme and not a standalone treatment for obesity. The weight can come back after stopping these drugs, if you haven't tailored your lifestyle significantly.
