Wegovy Launch: 5 Shocking Reasons India’s Obesity Fight Just Took a Massive Turn!

Novo Nordisk is set to launch its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India later this year, fast-tracking its entry ahead of the original 2026 timeline. The move follows the recent debut of Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, intensifying competition in India’s growing obesity treatment market. Wegovy, based on semaglutide, is a GLP-1 therapy designed to support weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risks. The company is currently working on pricing strategies to make the drug affordable and accessible to Indian patients.

Backed by the large-scale SELECT trial, Wegovy has shown significant success in lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths in overweight individuals. India’s rising obesity rates, with over 250 million affected, highlight the urgent need for effective solutions. Novo Nordisk also plans to set up specialized obesity clinics and train healthcare professionals to strengthen the support system. To meet increasing global demand, the company has boosted production across multiple countries, investing over $23 billion to ensure steady supply.

Wegovy Launch: 5 Shocking Reasons India’s Obesity Fight Just Took a Massive Turn!

In a significant step to address India’s rising obesity crisis, Danish pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk has announced it will introduce its weight-loss medication Wegovy in the country within the next few months—years ahead of its original 2026 schedule. This move positions the company in direct competition with Eli Lilly, which recently launched its obesity drug, Mounjaro, in India.

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, shared with Business Today that the company is prioritizing efforts to ensure semaglutide-based injections—marketed globally as Wegovy—reach patients struggling with obesity by the end of this year. “Our goal is to ensure this innovative therapy is accessible to those who need it most,” Shrotriya emphasized.

Growing Demand for Obesity Treatments

Wegovy belongs to the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class of drugs, which aid weight management by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. The demand for such therapies has surged in India, where approximately 40% of adults face obesity, escalating risks of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.

The urgency for effective solutions is further highlighted by data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), revealing that over 254 million Indians grapple with general obesity, while 350 million suffer from abdominal obesity. If unaddressed, obesity-related health issues could drain up to 2.5% of India’s GDP by 2060.

Competition Heats Up with Eli Lilly

Novo Nordisk’s launch follows Eli Lilly’s recent introduction of Mounjaro, a dual-action drug targeting both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. Both medications are gaining attention for their potential to not only manage weight but also improve cardiovascular health.

Pricing and Accessibility

Affordability remains a critical focus for Novo Nordisk. Shrotriya noted that the company is evaluating India’s economic landscape, regulatory guidelines, and healthcare reimbursement frameworks to finalize Wegovy’s pricing. While exact costs are undisclosed, the aim is to align with India’s healthcare needs without compromising accessibility

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Clinical Backing and Regulatory Approval

Wegovy’s efficacy is supported by the global SELECT trial, which studied over 17,600 participants aged 45 and above with a BMI of 27 or higher. Results showed semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths by 20% in non-diabetic individuals with obesity.

In February 2025, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved semaglutide for expanded use in weight management, paving the way for Wegovy’s rollout. This approval underscores the drug’s potential to address both obesity and its associated health risks.

Novo Nordisk’s Holistic Strategy

Beyond drug distribution, Novo Nordisk plans to establish specialized obesity clinics and training programs for healthcare providers. Drawing from its experience in diabetes care collaborations with Indian states, the company aims to create a supportive ecosystem for obesity management.

Global Production Ramp-Up

To meet anticipated demand, Novo Nordisk has invested over $23 billion to scale up manufacturing at its facilities in Denmark, Ireland, the U.S., and France. These efforts aim to prevent supply shortages, ensuring consistent access to GLP-1 therapies like Wegovy.

A Turning Point for Public Health

The arrival of Wegovy and Mounjaro marks a pivotal shift in India’s approach to obesity, which has long been stigmatized rather than treated as a medical condition. With advanced therapies now entering the market, healthcare professionals hope to curb the tide of obesity-related diseases while alleviating pressure on India’s healthcare infrastructure.

As Novo Nordisk prepares for Wegovy’s launch, the focus remains on collaboration—with governments, doctors, and patients—to create sustainable solutions for a healthier future. The company’s accelerated timeline reflects both the urgency of India’s obesity crisis and the growing recognition of weight management as a vital component of public health.