New Delhi: We live in a world where many are fitness enthusiasts – a large number of people are focused on maintaining a healthy weight, not just to look good but also to save themselves from chronic and acute health problems. However, many are still stuck in a vicious weight-gain cycle involving a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. But in a seemingly hopeless situation, many turned to their new saviour – weight loss drugs. From Ozempic to Wegovy to now, Mounjaro, these drugs are gradually becoming extremely popular among people across age groups. Mounjaro, specifically, has gained much prominence in India – in a short timeframe, it has become the second-largest pharma brand in the country. However, will it resolve the obesity and diabetes crisis that the country is facing? Here’s what doctors have to say about it.
Dr. Rohini Patil, Founder and CEO of Nutracy Lifestyle, says, “People are using Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for obesity, which is a new medication for type 2 diabetes but has also shown strong results in weight loss. It works by helping the body release more insulin when needed, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing digestion to manage appetite. Also, it can significantly improve blood sugar levels and help people shed pounds, similar to other drugs like semaglutide.
Dr. Patil further adds, “However, there are also some side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which are common and these may be more noticeable in India due to our high-spice, high-fiber diets. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), about 24% of Indian women and 23% of men are overweight or obese. So, with so many adults affected, Mounjaro could be helpful for weight loss, but it shouldn’t be seen as a magic solution. Lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet and regular exercise, remain essential for long-term weight management. Consulting a doctor or nutritionist to combine medication with healthy habits is the safest way to tackle obesity and related health concerns.”
Dr. Rita Bakshi, Co-Founder of RISAA IVF, said, “Recently, Mounjaro has become very popular in India, and there are many people who think about its effects on obesity and diabetes. Mounjaro is a GLP-1 receptor medicine that helps to control appetite and also improves the way our body uses insulin. This can also help in weight loss and control the blood sugar levels, especially when it is taken with healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle.”
The expert went on to say that it is also important to know that medicine alone cannot completely solve the problems of obesity or diabetes. These conditions are affected by many other factors, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and daily habits. Mounjaro may give good results for a short time, but its long-term safety and effects are still being studied. Additionally, like other strong medicines, it can also have some side effects, such as stomach issues or, in rare cases, more serious problems. Therefore, it must always be used carefully and under a doctor’s supervision.
Also, it is important to eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, manage stress, and follow medical advice. Medicines like Mounjaro can be very helpful, but they cannot replace consistent healthy habits. So, it’s also important for patients to always consult their doctor, understand the risks, and follow a proper lifestyle that can be maintained safely.
Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman – Manipal Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric, GI & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, spoke about the popularity of Mounjaro in India.
What will be the impact of Mounjaro’s popularity in India?
The growing popularity of Mounjaro in India could lead to a significant shift in how people manage diabetes and obesity. It is a drug known for controlling blood sugar and supporting weight loss. This drug may have some basic side effects such as nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms are initial and fade away with time. There are certain serious side effects, including pancreatitis, meningitis, and optic neuritis, which are very rare. Hence, Mounjaro is generally considered safe for most diabetic or non-diabetic adults and should be used under medical supervision.
Will it put an end to the obesity and diabetes crisis or give rise to other long-term complications?
These drugs are easier to take, as they are administered once weekly, and are significantly better than previous methods, helping achieve better weight loss than before. However, the results and long-term costs are inferior to those of bariatric surgeries. The long-term effects of Mounjaro are still unknown, and research is still ongoing. Although this may not be a complete solution, as relying only on Mounjaro wouldn’t be helpful. It needs to be taken for at least 6 months to 1 year for reasonably good results, and all excess weight might not be lost. One should pair it with a proper diet and exercise for visible results. So, while it can help manage the crisis, lifestyle changes and medical guidance will remain essential for lasting health improvements.
Dr Tanisha Shekhar, Resident Anaesthesia and Critical Care, DY Patil Hospital, Nerul, said, The surge in Mounjaro’s popularity in India highlights a turning point in how we view medical weight loss. Mounjaro acts by mimicking the gut hormones– glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors makes it remarkably effective in improving blood sugar control, reducing appetite hence promoting significant weight reduction. For many patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes, this represents hope and a real medical breakthrough.”
It would be overly optimistic to assume Mounjaro alone can “end” India’s obesity crisis. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition influenced by diet, stress, sleep, genetics, and social environment. A drug can correct part of the metabolic dysfunction, but without long-term lifestyle change and medical supervision, most patients will regain weight once the medication stops.
“We also need to consider the potential downsides of such rapid adoption. Long-term safety data are still limited, and side effects like gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle los,s and even rare cases of pancreatitis have been noted. The bigger concern is unsupervised use. People sourcing these drugs online or taking them for cosmetic weight loss without addressing underlying health issues,” Dr Shekhar concluded.