Obesity has steadily become a serious health issue in India, affecting people across age groups. People who are overweight, especially those with a family history of diabetes, are at a much higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
In recent years, GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drugs have emerged as an important treatment option for both obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. These drugs have shown effective results in controlling blood sugar levels and helping with weight loss, making them increasingly popular in the medical field.
However, the situation is now changing. With Novo Nordisk’s India patent on semaglutide expired, there is growing concern about the entry of generic versions in the market.
In India, more brides—often called “Mounjaro Brides”—are turning to trending weight-loss injections before their weddings to lose weight fast.
The pressure to look perfect on the big day, along with the influence of social media, is pushing many women to try these options without proper medical advice. While the results may seem appealing, this growing trend raises concerns about health risks and society’s increasing obsession with appearance, especially around weddings.
Leading Hyderabad-based multinational pharmaceutical company, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, launched Obeda, a semaglutide injectable for the management of Type 2 Diabetes.
According to Dr Reddy's CEO Erez Israeli, “Obeda reinforces the company's vision of ensuring advanced diabetes treatements are not only available but affordable".
While increased accessibility can benefit patients who genuinely need treatment, it also raises serious concerns.
The availability of cheaper versions has opened the door to possible misuse and malpractices. GLP-1 drugs are not meant for casual use—they should only be taken under the supervision of specialists such as endocrinologists, internal medicine doctors, or cardiologists.
Recognising these risks and the sudden surge in demand, the Indian government has stepped in. Authorities have increased monitoring of the distribution and marketing of weight loss drugs, highlighting key safety concerns. The Centre has also issued guidelines on the use of GLP-1 drugs, advising people to consult doctors before opting for any weight loss medication.
Amid this growing social pressure to achieve rapid weight loss, attention has also turned to how industries associated with appearance—such as fashion—perceive and respond to this trend.
Sunil Menon, one of the leading fashion show directors and founder of Sahodaran, a Chennai-based organisation advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, noted that “the Indian fashion industry focuses on models being fit rather than extremely slim".
He emphasised that the industry does not encourage being super thin and that weight loss drugs are not widely used within it. Instead, the focus is on “looking like yourself".
He also highlighted the need for more role models who promote body positivity. Young people today are heavily influenced by social media—what they see, they often believe and try to follow without fully understanding the consequences. This creates an urgent need for balance and awareness. Weight loss drugs, especially when misused, can be dangerous—particularly for young girls and boys who are more vulnerable to social media influence.
This makes the situation even more concerning. The growing availability of these drugs may solve one problem—affordability—but it also introduces another: responsible use. The challenge now lies in ensuring that increased access does not come at the cost of public health.
