Weight loss isn’t what it used to be.The old “eat less, move more” mantra just doesn’t cut it for many people anymore, especially those dealing with hormonal, genetic, or metabolic roadblocks. Now, a powerful new tool has arrived in India’s fight against obesity: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg), the much-discussed weight loss injection that’s already made waves in the U.S. and Europe.But is it just another hype-heavy fad, or is it a genuine medical breakthrough? We spoke to some of India’s top endocrinologists, gynaecologists, and diabetes specialists—and their answers may surprise you.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the brand name for a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes. It mimics a hormone that regulates hunger and insulin levels. In simpler terms: it makes you feel full faster, eat less, and burn fat more efficiently—all while improving blood sugar control.And no, it’s not a magical skinny shot. But it might be the closest modern science has come to offering one—especially for people with obesity who haven’t seen results from diet and exercise alone.
India’s obesity epidemic: Why Wegovy’s arrival matters
India is now third globally for obesity and second for type 2 diabetes, according to experts like Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, Director, General Surgery and Minimal Access and Surgical Sciences, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation, Hospital, Mumbai, Wegovy represents more than just another prescription drug—it’s a mindset shift.“There is no such thing as ‘healthy obesity.’ Even when complications are not yet visible, the long-term risks—infertility, cancer, diabetes—are very real,” he says. “The first step is to view obesity as a disease, not a cosmetic issue.”This change in attitude could finally nudge the Indian public—and policymakers—to take weight seriously.
Beyond the kilos: Wegovy’s real benefits
One of the most impressive things about Wegovy is that its impact goes far beyond the weighing scale.According to Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head of Endocrinology at Max Healthcare, it’s not just about dropping a few kilos.“Semaglutide 2.4mg enhances satiety and also reduces cardiac events by 20% in people with overweight or obesity with pre-existing heart disease,” he explains. “That’s a major breakthrough.”So while narratives may focus on rapid weight loss, doctors are more excited about what’s happening inside the body—improved insulin function, reduced inflammation, and even potential neuroprotective benefits, according to Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan, CEO of Chellaram Diabetes Institute.“It restores blood-brain barrier integrity and improves astrocyte-vascular interaction,” he says. “This could be a game-changer for overall metabolic health, not just weight.”
A lifeline for diabetics and postpartum women
Wegovy may also be a critical lifeline for people with type 2 diabetes and women struggling with postpartum weight gain or PCOS.Dr. Shashank Joshi, a prominent endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, explains: “Semaglutide is valuable for diabetic patients battling obesity. What excites us most is its ability to restore metabolic homeostasis at a cellular level—it’s sustainable.”Meanwhile, Dr. Rishma Pai, a top Mumbai-based gynaecologist, highlights how the drug can help break the intergenerational cycle of obesity. “We see a rising trend of abdominal obesity in women of reproductive age. Around 12-13% of pregnant and postpartum women in India battle obesity. Wegovy, combined with lifestyle changes, can improve maternal health outcomes significantly.”
Not a shortcut, but a scientific strategy
The word “weight loss drug” often gets misunderstood—thanks to the many dodgy fat burners that flooded Indian markets in the past. But doctors are clear: Wegovy is not a shortcut. It’s science.Dr. V. Mohan, a leading voice in diabetes care, puts it bluntly, “This is not just about shedding pounds. It addresses the entire obesity-diabetes-metabolic syndrome triad, which is extremely common in Indian patients. We’ve needed something like this for years.”Experts also see Wegovy as a much-needed alternative to bariatric surgery, especially for patients who aren’t eligible or willing to go under the knife.“It can be an adjunct for those who regain weight post-surgery or an option for those who are ineligible for it,” adds Dr. Lakdawala.
So, who should be taking it?
Wegovy is not for everyone. It’s specifically meant for:Adults with a BMI of 30 or more (obese)Adults with a BMI of 27 or more who also have weight-related health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterolIt’s not a vanity drug. It’s a prescription-only, doctor-supervised therapy that needs to be part of a broader weight loss plan that includes a balanced diet and regular movement.
Risks and realities
Like any drug, Wegovy isn’t side-effect-free. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and headaches are some of the commonly reported issues—especially in the early weeks.And it’s not a magic wand. Once you stop taking it, the weight may come back unless long-term lifestyle changes are in place. That’s why all doctors stress the importance of pairing the drug with behavioural support and nutritional guidance.“Anti-obesity medications like Wegovy must be evaluated not merely by percentage weight loss, but by their ability to change hard clinical outcomes — reducing CVD, CKD, and potentially extending life. It’s time we see these therapies as tools for longevity and disease prevention, not just for the weighing scale,” says Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, and Co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.India has long treated obesity as a willpower problem rather than a medical condition. Wegovy’s arrival could finally change that.If used wisely—and accessibly—Wegovy could be more than just a drug. It could be India’s long-overdue wake-up call to treat obesity as the serious, system-wide condition that it truly is.Wegovy is finally in India. It’s not a fad, but a clinically proven weight-loss injection that tackles metabolic dysfunction, improves heart health, and might help people with diabetes, PCOS, and obesity live better, longer lives. But it’s no solo act—healthy lifestyle habits still lead the show.
