The medications known as GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs—specifically Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) from Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) from Eli Lilly—have gained considerable media attention, often referred to as the “fat shot,” “skinny jab,” or “magic pill” by politicians and celebrities. As discussions around obesity and diabetes surge globally, those impacted by these conditions express relief at the newfound focus on obesity but urge against viewing it merely through a cosmetic lens, highlighting the complex layers of the issue.
Obesity is linked to a heightened risk of various health problems and can negatively affect self-confidence in a society increasingly fixated on body image, as noted by public health experts. Although the new medications are seen as a breakthrough, their high costs remain a significant barrier. Recent reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has announced pricing reductions for these drugs, with costs dropping from approximately $1,000 to around $300 per month.
In India, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have partnered with local pharmaceutical companies—Cipla for Mounjaro and Emcure for Wegovy—to broaden patient access. Recently, Novo Nordisk has made headlines by reducing the prices of certain Wegovy doses by over 30%. This is anticipated to be only the beginning, as numerous patents for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide are set to expire early next year in various countries, including India. Reports suggest that around 25 Indian drug manufacturers are preparing to enter the market, a development that raises both hopes and concerns regarding the accessibility and regulation of weight-loss products.
Price and Side Effects
Sixty-year-old Dinyar Jalnawalla, a retired lawyer, reports losing weight from 126 kg to 119 kg after a month on Mounjaro, experiencing no side effects thus far. However, he notes that the costs associated with the medication and continuous glucose monitoring are substantial. “Ordinary middle-class people cannot afford such costs,” Jalnawalla states, adding that health insurance does not cover them.
Snehal, a 34-year-old IT engineer with type 1 diabetes, has been on Rybelsys (an oral semaglutide) since May and has lost 10-12 kg. She has experienced side effects, including nausea, and advises new users to adjust their insulin dosages to avoid hypoglycemia due to reduced food intake.
Nupur Lalvani, founder of the Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, notes a mix of opinions among patients regarding these drugs; while some find them effective, others express concerns about potential side effects like vision loss and thyroid cancer. She questions why the initial costs were so high, advocating for the prescription of generics as they become available.
With the expected influx of anti-obesity products, public health officials are concerned about the potential for over-prescription.
‘Obesity Epidemic’
As generics prepare to enter the market, Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, Director of General and Minimal Access Surgery at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, emphasizes the need for governmental oversight to ensure quality and proper management of these medications. Currently, only endocrinologists and MD-credentialed physicians can prescribe these drugs, which limits accessibility in areas lacking endocrinologists. He advocates for the inclusion of professionals trained in obesity management.
Lawyer Leena Menghaney, who works on public health and access to medicines, stresses that the issue extends beyond price. “We are sitting on an obesity epidemic,” she remarks, calling for comprehensive actions addressing food availability in school canteens, the food industry, and consumption patterns regarding salt and sugar.
Over 250 million people in India are living with obesity.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (injectable semaglutide) costs between ₹10,000 and ₹16,000 per month, depending on dosage; oral semaglutide costs around ₹10,000.
Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro is priced at ₹14,000 to ₹27,000 per month for various strengths at launch.
Generics awaiting market entry include Dr. Reddy’s, Natco, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Zydus, and Torrent, among others.
Published on November 17, 2025
