How will 'Indian Ozempics' change treatment for diabetes and obesity?
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This episode of InFocus by The Hindu explores the transformative impact of generic semaglutide—branded as 'Indian Ozempics'—on diabetes and obesity treatment in India following the expiration of the original drug's patent on March 20, 2026. With nearly 40 generic versions now available, the cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists has plummeted from ₹15,000–20,000 per month to as low as ₹2,000–5,000, making them accessible to millions. Dr. V. Mohan, a leading diabetes expert, explains the science behind GLP-1 drugs, emphasizing their profound weight loss effects, HbA1c reduction, and emerging benefits for fatty liver disease, cardiovascular health, and even sleep apnea. However, he cautions against viewing these drugs as a standalone solution, stressing they must be used alongside lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene. The episode also highlights serious concerns around unregulated sales by gyms, beauty parlors, and online platforms, which risk patient safety due to lack of medical screening. Dr. Mohan underscores the 'thin fat Indian' phenotype—where individuals appear thin but have dangerous visceral fat—making GLP-1 therapy particularly relevant, though not a substitute for long-term metabolic health strategies.
Nearly 40 generic versions of semaglutide are now available in India, reducing monthly costs from ₹20,000 to as low as ₹2,000.
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide offer multi-system benefits beyond weight loss, including improved heart health, kidney function, and fatty liver disease reversal.
These drugs should only be used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes—not as a shortcut—due to high dropout rates and risk of weight regain after discontinuation.
The 'thin fat Indian' (TOFI) phenotype means many people appear normal-weight but have dangerous visceral fat, making them ideal candidates for GLP-1 therapy.
Unregulated sales by non-medical entities like gyms and beauty parlors pose serious safety risks and require stricter government enforcement.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of 'Indian Ozempics': Patent Expiry and Market Transformation
“In fact, it is so cheap that the American Diabetic Association has asked me to write an article, how is India able to do this and produce it at such a low cost?”
How GLP-1 Drugs Work: Science Behind the Weight Loss Revolution
Dr. Mohan explains the biological mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, detailing how they stimulate insulin release, suppress glucagon, reduce appetite, and promote satiety. He contrasts their effectiveness with past weight-loss drugs that were short-lived and ineffective.
Beyond Weight Loss: Cardiovascular, Liver, and Metabolic Benefits
“I know of patients who were advised to undergo knee replacement and after the use of these drugs, they lost weight and their knee started responding better and the orthopedic surgeon said no need for knee replacement anymore.”
The Dark Side: Risks, Side Effects, and Unregulated Access
“When that is so, just saying that a beauty parlor can give this drug or a gym fitness trainer can give it and all that is ridiculous.”
The 'Thin Fat Indian' Phenotype and Why GLP-1 Therapy Is Crucial
“We call it as metabolically obese, non-obese. This group of patients will also respond to the semaglutide and to the GLP-1 because it is the fat which it's not the weight which it targets.”
“I know of patients who were advised to undergo knee replacement and after the use of these drugs, they lost weight and their knee started responding better and the orthopedic surgeon said no need for knee replacement anymore.”
“We call it as metabolically obese, non-obese. This group of patients will also respond to the semaglutide and to the GLP-1 because it is the fat which it's not the weight which it targets.”
“In fact, it is so cheap that the American Diabetic Association has asked me to write an article, how is India able to do this and produce it at such a low cost?”
Host
Guest
India
place
Semaglutide
product
Dr. V. Mohan
person
Ozempic
product
US
place
Novo Nordisk
organization
Monjaro
product
Ultra-processed foods
other
Lilly
organization
Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialty Center
organization
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