Weight-loss party roars, regulator takes punch bowl away

drug carries a warning that it must be administered only under the supervision of an endocrinologist to ensure that complex metabolic side-effects are properly regulated. There is a concern that if other medical professionals begin prescribing it, they may not be able to properly manage its side-effects,” one of the two officials cited above said, requesting anonymity.According to a Lancet study, India could have the world's second-highest obesity burden by 2035, with 449 million overweight and obese people by 2050, when a third of the country's population will be obese.

Affordable generics cut treatment costs by 50-70% and significantly improve patient access nationwide.A CareEdge report estimates India's current semaglutide market at $24 million, growing at a CAGR of 17.8% to reach $400 million by 2030. However, while semaglutide is trusted for type-two diabetes and weight management, it carries risks that require expert monitoring.

The DCGI move serves as a critical guardrail to ensure that this rapid expansion does not endanger patient safety.According to Dr K. Srinath Reddy, former president of the Public Health Foundation of India, these drugs are also associated with muscle loss (sarcopenia), bloated stomach, nausea and vomiting, as well as anxiety and depression.

"Sarcopenia can lead to increased frailty and dangerous falls in the elderly. Since stoppage after weight loss can result in rebound weight gain, long-term therapy may be needed,” Reddy said.“States are doing extensive vigilance, and have been told to ensure sales occur only through valid prescriptions from certified endocrinologists because it’s very necessary; otherwise, there will be a lot of misuse.