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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Indians increasingly aware of weight loss drugs, but most wary their adoption: Survey
New Delhi: While the awareness of weight loss drugs in India is burgeoning at an unprecedented pace following the high-profile launches by global giants, most of the citizens in the country have reported to prefer non-medical options considering their side effects. According to a recent survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine over 1000 individuals, 87 per cent of the respondents believe "it is important to learn about non-drug-supported weight loss methods following concerns over safety and long-term use." As per the survey findings, 82 per cent of respondents had heard of these drugs, however, only 18 per cent could correctly explain how these drugs work and 65 per cent voiced that their benefits are highly exaggerated. Commenting on the survey findings Dr Vanita Rahman, internal medicine physician with the Physicians Committee said that many people are concerned about side effects and safety and are asking what options exist beyond medications. As a better alternative, the medical experts suggest focusing on lifestyle changes such as a low fat based diet to sustain long term benefits. 'A plant-based diet—low in fat and rich in fiber—can support long-term weight control without the risks associated with drug therapies. It's a sustainable strategy that equips patients with safer, evidence-based options for weight control,' said Dr Rahman. Adding to it Dr Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition researcher with the Physicians Committee extended that a Plant-based diet reduces the risk of obesity among adults who are genetically predisposed to the disease, and can help people reach a healthier Body Mass Index (BMI). Citing a study which analyzed the findings of the last National Family Health Survey the committee noted that overweight and obesity tend to affect Indian families as a unit, not just individuals and should prioritize household-level interventions, over purely individual approaches. In March this year, US giant Eli Lilly launched its blockbuster drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India while its arch-rival Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk followed suit with the launch of its alternative brand Wegovy (semaglutide) last month. According to PharmaTrack data, as of June 2025 Lilly has sold around 88,000 identical units of Mounjaro (including both 2.5 mg and 5mg vial) while Novo has sold close to 17,000 units since its launch in June this year. Of India's total ₹628 crore anti-obesity drug market, semaglutide accounts for 66 per cent of the total market with a moving annual turnover (MAT) of ₹412 crore while tirzepatide with a MAT of ₹50 crore owns 8 per cent of the total share.
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Wegovy And Mounjaro For Weight Loss Are In, But India Wants A No-Drug Obesity Fix
Obesity is becoming an increasingly serious concern in India. According to several studies, India now ranks third globally in the number of obese individuals, with a growing proportion of both adults and children affected. With the launch of weight-loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in India (medications that have made international headlines) many hoped these pharmaceutical solutions might help address the country's escalating obesity crisis. However, a new nationwide survey reveals a strong preference among Indians for non-drug approaches. An overwhelming 87% of Indian adults say it is important to learn about weight-loss methods that do not rely on medication, citing concerns about the safety and long-term effects of such treatments. "As conversations around weight-loss drugs dominate headlines, many people are concerned about side effects and safety, and are asking what options exist beyond medication," says Dr Vanita Rahman, Internal Medicine Physician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. According to Dr Rahman, adopting a healthful, plant-based diet - low in fat and high in fibre - can promote sustainable weight loss without the risks posed by drug therapies. "It's a long-term strategy that equips patients with safer, evidence-based options for weight control," she said. What The Survey Found The survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Physicians Committee, also highlighted a widespread lack of understanding about the much-publicised GLP-1 weight-loss medications. The nationally representative survey included responses from over 1,000 Indian adults across age groups, gender, regions, educational backgrounds and rural-urban divides, in alignment with the latest Indian census data. The study found that while 82% of respondents had heard of these drugs, only 18% could accurately explain how they work. Many mistakenly believed that the drugs burn fat (26%) or boost metabolism (20%), while another 18% admitted they were unsure. Concerns around safety and effectiveness were also prevalent, according to the survey: 75% had heard about side effects during usage 69% were aware of risks after discontinuation 65% believed the media exaggerates the benefits 60% felt drug-based solutions receive excessive media attention These medication can cause nausea, vomiting and constipation. More serious, long-term side effects may include increased risks of gall-bladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, eye conditions, and harm to a developing foetus. Research further shows that 88% of users do not achieve a normal body mass index (BMI) and remain overweight or obese. Nearly two out of three users stop taking the drugs within the first year, often due to side effects, high costs, or lack of effectiveness. Discontinuing the medication typically leads to rapid weight regain. Back To Basics Experts suggest that Indians are not interested in taking drugs for weight loss, instead they are truning back to traditional ways of losing weight. This also comes with the lack of awareness about weight loss drugs. "There's growing interest in approaches that are rooted in science, safe for families, and offer long-term results," says Dr Zeeshan Ali, PhD, Nutrition Researcher with the Physicians Committee. "Plant-based diets can reduce the risk of obesity even in those with a genetic predisposition and help people reach a healthier BMI," he adds. The survey findings arrive at a crucial time, following a recent study by the ICMR-National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR). The study, based on data from the National Family Health Survey 5, found that overweight and obesity in India often affect entire families, not just individuals. It emphasised the need for household-level interventions over purely individual strategies. "A shift towards plant-based meals could be the kind of shared dietary change that helps families improve their health together," says Dr Rahman. The results underscore the urgent need for public health campaigns that educate and empower Indians with safe, culturally relevant, and sustainable dietary solutions.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Exercise and a plant-based diet healthiest way to lose weight as compared to weight-loss drugs: Survey
NEW DELHI: As weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide dominate global headlines, a new nationwide survey shows that 87 per cent of Indian adults believe it is important to learn about non-drug-supported weight loss methods, following concerns over safety and long-term use. The study, which was conducted among 1,000 people residing in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, found that excess weight is a struggle for many Indians, and most have tried to lose weight. The most important reasons to lose weight for Indian adults include improved energy, reducing risk of chronic disease, and improved self-esteem/mental health. Exercise programs were largely seen as being the healthiest and most sustainable way to lose weight, it found. "As conversations around weight-loss drugs dominate headlines, many people are concerned about side effects and safety and are asking what options exist beyond medications,' said Dr. Vanita Rahman, internal medicine physician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. 'A healthful, plant-based diet - low in fat and rich in fiber - can support long-term weight control without the risks associated with drug therapies. It's a sustainable strategy that equips patients with safer, evidence-based options for weight control,' said Rahman. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a non-profit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research, also revealed gaps in understanding of the widely publicized GLP-1 medications - a class of drugs primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Although 82 per cent of respondents had heard of these drugs, only 18 per cent could correctly explain how these drugs work. Many mistakenly believed they burn fat (26 per cent) or speed up metabolism (20 per cent), while 18 per cent were unsure. The survey showed widespread concerns about safety of these drugs, which are now available in India too.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
THIS diet reduces the risk of diabetes, and it's even better than the Mediterranean diet
A recent study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that a low-fat vegan diet significantly reduces dietary acid load compared to the Mediterranean diet. This reduction is associated with weight loss and improved metabolic health. The vegan diet, rich in plant-based foods, promotes an alkaline environment in the body, potentially aiding in weight management and reducing diabetes risk. What we eat plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has been in the spotlight for its heart-healthy benefits among others. But a new study suggests there may be an even better option, especially if you are looking for weight loss and to reduce the risk of diabetes. A new study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that a certain diet significantly reduces dietary acid load, a key factor associated with weight gain and diabetes risk, when compared with the popular Mediterranean diet. The findings are published in Frontiers in Nutrition . Diet and diabetes risk The diet in question is a low-fat vegan diet. The study found that compared with a Mediterranean diet, dietary acid load decreased significantly on a low-fat vegan diet, and it was associated with weight loss. 'Eating acid-producing foods like meat, eggs, and dairy can increase the dietary acid load, or the amount of acids consumed, causing inflammation linked to weight gain. But replacing animal products with plant-based foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can help promote weight loss and create a healthy gut microbiome,' Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee and lead author of the study, said in a statement. The study To understand the link between a vegan diet and its effectiveness in reducing the risk of diabetes, the researchers conducted a randomized crossover trial involving 62 overweight adults. The participants followed a low-fat vegan diet or a Mediterranean diet, separated by a four-week cleansing period, followed by an additional 16 weeks on the alternate diet. The researchers analyzed the dietary records of the participants to calculate dietary acid load, which is commonly estimated by two scores: Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP). A higher score indicates a higher dietary acid load. The findings The researchers found that animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and cheese, caused the body to produce more acid. This increased the dietary acid load, which is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism and can lead to weight gain. On the other hand, plant-based diets, which are more alkaline, were associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure. Ronnie McDowell RUSHED to Hospital Mid-Show; Sudden Health Crisis STUNS Fans | WATCH They also found that both PRAL and NEAP scores decreased significantly in participants on the vegan diet, with no significant change on the Mediterranean diet . The reduction in dietary acid load was linked to weight loss. Also, this association remained significant even after adjustment for changes in energy intake. They also noticed a significant weight loss of 13.2 pounds on the vegan diet, compared with no change on the Mediterranean diet. The researchers said that the vegan diet's alkalizing effect increases the body's pH level to make it less acidic, which may also help promote weight loss. Such foods include include vegetables, particularly leafy greens, broccoli, beets, asparagus, garlic, carrots, and cabbage; fruits, such as berries, apples, cherries, apricots, or cantaloupe; legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans or soy; and grains, such as quinoa or millet.
