Beyond the Buzz: The Real Story of Weight-Loss Drugs in India 

Approved Drugs & Status: Wegovy (injectable semaglutide) and Mounjaro (injectable tirzepatide) are officially approved and launched for chronic weight management in India, alongside oral semaglutide (e.g., Rybelsus). Ozempic is NOT approved or officially available for any use in India – its presence is often off-label or unofficial. Cost is a major barrier: Monthly treatment ranges from ₹10,000 for oral semaglutide to ₹14,000-17,500 for Mounjaro and ₹17,345-26,050 for Wegovy, making them inaccessible to most. 

Affordability hope exists: Semaglutide’s patent expires in India around March/April 2026, with major Indian pharma firms (Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, etc.) planning cheaper generics soon after. Safety is paramount: These are potent prescription drugs with common gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting) and require strict medical supervision; they are not for casual or cosmetic use. Their arrival addresses India’s growing obesity crisis (24% adults overweight/obese), but cost and appropriate use remain critical challenges.

Beyond the Buzz: The Real Story of Weight-Loss Drugs in India 

The dramatic transformations of celebrities like Ram Kapoor and Boney Kapoor have fueled intense speculation: are blockbuster drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy their secret? While their stories cite diet and exercise, the spotlight has turned to a new generation of anti-obesity medications making waves globally. But what’s the reality for patients in India? Let’s cut through the hype. 

Officially Approved for Weight Loss in India (as of July 2025): 

• Wegovy (Semaglutide – Injectable): 

• Status: Approved & Launched. Novo Nordisk officially launched Wegovy in India on June 24, 2025. 

• Purpose: Specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes), alongside diet and exercise. Also approved for adolescents (12+) with obesity. 

• Dosage: Weekly injection (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg). 

• Cost: ₹17,345 to ₹26,050 per month (dose-dependent). Higher doses cost significantly more. 

• Mounjaro (Tirzepatide – Injectable): 

• Status: Approved & Launched. India’s drug regulator (CDSCO) approved Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro in June 2025. 

• Purpose: While branded as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes elsewhere, its active ingredient (tirzepatide) is approved in India under this brand for weight management. Similar criteria apply regarding BMI thresholds alongside diet/exercise. 

• Dosage: Weekly injection (2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg). 

• Cost: Approx. ₹14,000 to ₹17,500 per month (dose-dependent). Priced lower than Wegovy for comparable doses. 

• Oral Semaglutide (e.g., Rybelsus): 

• Status: Approved & Available. Introduced earlier for type 2 diabetes. 

• Purpose: Officially approved for weight management alongside its diabetes indication. 

• Dosage: Daily tablet (3mg, 7mg, 14mg). 

• Cost: Approx. ₹10,000 per month. 

Crucial Clarifications & Misconceptions: 

• Ozempic (Semaglutide – Injectable): NOT approved or officially launched in India. While its active ingredient (semaglutide) is the same as Wegovy, Ozempic is specifically branded and approved only for type 2 diabetes in markets where it’s available. Using it for weight loss would be “off-label” and potentially risky without proper medical supervision specific to obesity treatment. Genuine Ozempic is scarce on the Indian market. 

• Zepbound: This is the brand name for tirzepatide specifically approved for weight loss in the US. In India, Eli Lilly launched the same active drug under the brand name Mounjaro for weight management. So, while “Zepbound” isn’t the brand used here, its active ingredient is approved as Mounjaro. 

• Rybelsus & Weight Loss: While approved for weight management, its primary indication is type 2 diabetes. Weight loss results may be less pronounced compared to the injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) at higher doses. It is not a “weight loss drug” first and foremost. 

The Cost Factor: A Significant Barrier 

• Monthly Expense: Current costs (₹10,000 to over ₹26,000) place these drugs firmly in the premium category, far out of reach for the average Indian. Insurance coverage for obesity treatment is also extremely limited. 

• Long-Term Commitment: These medications are generally intended for long-term use to maintain weight loss. Stopping often leads to weight regain. This makes the cumulative cost a massive consideration. 

• Hope for Affordability? Semaglutide’s (Wegovy/Ozempic active ingredient) patent expires in India around March/April 2026. Major Indian pharma companies (Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Biocon, Sun Pharma, etc.) are actively developing generic versions. Dr. Reddy’s aims for a 2026 launch in India and other markets where patents expire. This could dramatically reduce prices, but quality and regulatory approval timelines remain key factors. 

Safety & Side Effects: Not Magic Bullets 

These are potent prescription medications with potential side effects. Self-prescribing or obtaining them without proper medical guidance is dangerous. 

• Common Side Effects: Primarily gastrointestinal – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. These are often dose-dependent and may subside over time, but can be severe enough to stop treatment. 

• Other Potential Concerns: Headache, fatigue, injection site reactions. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and potential worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Thyroid C-cell tumor warnings exist (contraindicated in those with personal/family history of MTC or MEN-2). 

• Who Should NOT Take Them: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive women; individuals with a history of certain thyroid cancers or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2); severe gastrointestinal disease; severe renal impairment. 

• Prescription Essential: These drugs require strict medical supervision. A doctor must assess BMI, overall health, contraindications, monitor progress, manage side effects, and determine appropriate dosing. They are not for cosmetic weight loss. 

The Indian Context: Why This Matters 

India faces a rapidly growing obesity crisis. The NFHS-5 survey revealed 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese. With diabetes rates also soaring, effective medical tools are needed. However, the current cost structure makes these new drugs inaccessible to the vast majority. The potential arrival of generics in 2026 offers hope for broader access, but safety and appropriate use under medical guidance remain paramount. 

• Approved Weight Loss Drugs: Wegovy, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), and Oral Semaglutide (e.g., Rybelsus) are the key players officially approved for weight management in India. 

• Ozempic is NOT Approved: Don’t be misled by global buzz; Ozempic isn’t officially available here for any indication. 

• Cost is Prohibitive: Monthly costs start around ₹10,000 and exceed ₹26,000, making them luxury treatments for now. 

• Generics Offer Future Hope: Patent expirations in 2026 could significantly reduce prices through Indian generic versions. 

• Safety First: These are serious prescription drugs with significant potential side effects. They require ongoing medical supervision and are not suitable for everyone. Diet and exercise remain the foundational pillars of weight management. 

The arrival of Wegovy and Mounjaro marks a significant shift in India’s obesity treatment landscape, offering new hope for those struggling severely. However, navigating this space requires careful understanding of approvals, significant financial resources for now, realistic expectations, and, crucially, close partnership with a qualified healthcare provider. The promise lies not just in the drugs themselves, but in making safe and effective treatment accessible to the millions who need it.