Media has, of late, covered weight loss drugs extensively. It has created a buzz around them. There is such a rush for weight loss drugs that this market is estimated to reach $130 billion by 2030. (Goldman Sach’s Research).
Among the latest formulation is Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy. Basically, they are anti-diabetic drugs used for weight loss. They increase insulin secretion, and weight loss is an added benefit. Chemically, these are glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, which mimic hormone GLP 1. (The hormone is produced in the gut and signals the brain when a person is full). Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide anti-diubetic medication.
Semaglutide 2.4 mg makes you lose weight to the extent of 15-25 per cent.
Eli Lilly’s has introduced Moujaro and Zepbound . Maujaro’s active ingredient is trizeptide. It is GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. There are injectables of the strength 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg. It causes a weight loss of 15-20 per cent.
It is an impressive quantum of weight loss. These medications are not prescribed to those with a history of pancreatitis.
Another more effective drug that is undergoing trials is Retatrutide which acts via three different receptors and pathways and causes a weight loss of 25 per cent in 48 weeks. Its weight loss is equivalent to what can be achieved through bariatric surgery.
These medicines are not available in India and would not be any time soon.
There is global supply shortage too because of heavy demand.
Buyers are turning to flourishing gray market to get the supply. They try to get imported bulk packs and alternative medications.
Doctors report here in India women largely between their 20s and early 50s come seeking prescriptions.
Novo Nordisk markets Ozempic and Wegovy and earns tens of billions of dollars. Novo is a Danish drug maker. Eli Lilly started selling Zepbound since December 2023.
Obesity drugs are a global phenomena and often in short supply. Novo has no plans to launch Ozempic in India but is working to make Wegovy available.
What is available in India is Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus pill, which contains the same ingredients (as Wegovy and Ozempic) but comes in the tablet form.
Apart from drugs, we have to focus on diet and exercise to get rid of obesity. Drugs when stopped make you gain weight again. In addition, after weight loss for six months, there is a plateau.
As per a Lancet study, India has third largest number of people with obesity (2022) behind China and the US.
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