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.
