Ozempic craze hits J&K as obesity crisis deepens

Srinagar, Apr 8: A latest analysis of Google Trends points to a deepening obesity crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, with growing public interest in weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic.

According to data for searches between 20 December 2025 and 20 March 2026, J&K logged a solid interest score of 57 out of 100 in “Ozempic”, the prescription medicine used for Type II diabetes, and now weight loss. The mountainous region is in the moderate-to-high category on the national map, much above states like Rajasthan (27), Uttar Pradesh (31), and Bihar (16).

Although J&K‘s interest in Ozempic is below hotspots such as Chandigarh (100), Karnataka (82), Haryana (79), and Telangana (75), it is still higher than most Indian states and UTs. Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist)and has recently garnered massive global attention for its weight-loss effects. In India, the patent on the active ingredient expired in India in March 2026. This paved the way for more affordable generics and heightened public curiosity. The distribution map for Google Trends on Ozempic was shared by an X portal, india.in.pixels.

In J&K, obesity and diabetes numbers tell a serious story: National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) data show that overweight/obesity in J&K has risen sharply in J&K over the past two decades. In men aged 15–49 years, J&K has had the highest increases in the country between NFHS-3 and NFHS-5. An increase of 22.9 percentage points is a steep one. Among women in J&K, the prevalence of abdominal obesity in both urban and rural areas is concerning.

The more recent data show that in the Jammu division, diabetes prevalence is 18.9% overall, and in the Kashmir valley, adult diabetes rates are around 10–12%. What is startling is that 10% of adolescents (aged 10–19) in J&K are pre-diabetic. Health experts link the rise to sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, and increased consumption of junk and processed foods.

The 57-point Google search interest in Ozempic is not happening in a vacuum, experts believe. It mirrors a broader national trend where rising obesity and diabetes are driving demand for medical interventions.

The 90-day search window ended just as semaglutide’s patent expired in India. With hopes of affordable access to weight-loss and diabetes drugs, J&K residents appear to be actively researching options. Seemingly, the traditional lifestyle measures alone have not been effective in bringing down the tide of metabolic disorders.

Ozempic is a prescription medicine and must be taken under the supervision of a qualified doctor. It is known to cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and carries a rare risk of thyroid C-cell tumours. The dosage needs to be carefully titrated starting from a low level to minimise adverse reactions. It may interact with other medications or be unsuitable for people with certain conditions. Regular medical monitoring is also essential to track blood sugar levels, kidney function, and overall safety.