New Delhi - As India grapples with a growing obesity and diabetes epidemic, a new weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), launched in the country on March 20 is generating buzz for its potential to aid millions. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, an American pharmaceutical company,  the drug has shown significant weight loss and blood sugar benefits, leading experts to see it as a powerful tool—but not a silver bullet—for tackling a public health crisis that affects nearly a quarter of Indian adults.

A Rising Health Crisis

The World Obesity Federation’s World Obesity Atlas report warns that if current lifestyle trends persist, over half of the global population could be overweight or obese by 2035. Developing nations are seeing a particularly sharp increase in obesity rates, and India is no exception. With the third-largest population of obese individuals—trailing only the US and China—India faces a growing public health challenge. Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) suggests that nearly one in four Indians is now classified as obese. Against this backdrop, Mounjaro’s arrival offers hope, but experts like Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare, Mumbai, Maharashtra emphasizes that broader changes are needed.

How Mounjaro Works

Dr Kovil explains that Mounjaro works by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, unlike drugs like Ozempic, which target only GLP-1. 

GIP is a hormone that stimulates insulin release after eating, helping to regulate blood sugar. 

"This dual action helps Mounjaro control blood sugar by boosting insulin and lowering glucagon. It also supports weight loss by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and promoting fat loss," Dr Kovil adds. 

The trial study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in July 2022, supports this, saying that in its 72-week trial  involving participants with obesity, “5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of tirzepatide once weekly provided substantial and sustained reductions in body weight."

Who Can Benefit?

According to Dr. Kovil people with type 2 diabetes struggling with blood sugar control and weight can take it. 

“Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with related conditions like hypertension or fatty liver or sleep apnea or osteoarthritis are eligible," he says. 

However, he adds that the drug is not yet approved for type 1 diabetes or use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Safety and Limitations

The drug’s safety profile is promising but incomplete. “Generally well-tolerated, with side effects similar to GLP-1 drugs (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea),” Dr. Kovil says. “Long-term cardiovascular safety data is still awaited, unlike semaglutide, which has proven heart benefits.” 

Cardiovascular outcome trials are expected early next year, the diabetologist highlights, adding that semaglutide, used for two decades, has more established data in this area.

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Compared to Ozempic, Mounjaro appears to have an edge. “Clinical trials show Mounjaro leads to greater weight loss (up to 25% vs. 15% with Ozempic),” Dr. Kovil says. “Mounjaro also provides better glucose control and HbA1c reduction. However, Ozempic has established cardiovascular benefits.”

Will Mounjaro help tackle the obesity crisis?

Dr. Kovil is clear that Mounjaro alone cannot solve India’s obesity crisis, and calls for broader policy changes. "Laws need to change, healthy food should be affordable, and unhealthy food should be taxed more," he says, adding that the easy availability of junk food, especially near schools and institutions, must be addressed. 

The diabetologist also bats for a national sugar policy to regulate sugar content in beverages and confectionery. “Reading food labels should be taught in schools, and nutrition should be part of the curriculum,” he suggests. 

While drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic alone won’t solve the crisis, Dr. Kovil believes they can help improve health literacy and encourage better dietary habits.

Priced at ₹14,000-₹17,500 monthly in India, Mounjaro is more affordable than its US cost of $1,000-$1,200, but it remains out of reach for many obese Indians.

Also read: Obesity & Malnutrition: India $440B Economic Threat by 2060