NEW DELHI – India is witnessing a sharp rise in the demand for obesity and diabetes medications, with urban populations increasingly turning to pharmaceutical treatments to manage weight and related health conditions.
In just a few months since its launch, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro has shown rapid growth in sales, doubling its figures from May to June. Nearly 88,000 units were sold in June alone, highlighting the growing acceptance of obesity treatment drugs in the country.
India’s overall market for obesity drugs has expanded more than fivefold since 2021, now valued at over ₹6 billion. Medications based on semaglutide, such as Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus and Wegovy, dominate the segment, while newer drugs like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are quickly gaining traction.
Health experts link this surge to the alarming increase in obesity and diabetes cases across the country. Government surveys and recent health studies have identified India as one of the top three countries affected by obesity, with one in four adults considered overweight.
Novo Nordisk recently launched Wegovy in India, further intensifying competition. Though its early sales numbers were modest, the drug’s presence is expected to grow as public awareness increases.
Pharmaceutical companies are preparing for a major shift in the industry, especially with semaglutide’s patent in India set to expire in 2026. This is likely to pave the way for local manufacturers to introduce more affordable generic versions, which could position India as a key exporter of weight-loss treatments.
Major domestic firms, including Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr Reddy’s, are now accelerating development of obesity-targeted medications. Market analysts estimate that India’s obesity drug segment could reach a value of ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 crore by the end of the decade.
Doctors have noted the effectiveness of these drugs in managing appetite and blood sugar, but caution that medical supervision is essential to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and digestive discomfort.
India’s growing engagement with medical weight-loss solutions signals a shift in public health approaches, as both patients and healthcare providers increasingly embrace pharmaceutical interventions for chronic lifestyle diseases.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
