Ozempic Launched In India: Doctors Welcome New Diabetes Drug, Warn Against Misuse For Weight Loss

Doctors highlight that the drug should be administered along with a healthy diet and regular exercise for management of type 2 diabetes, and not just as cosmetic procedure for weight loss.

12 Dec 2025, 11:44 · www.ndtv.com

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Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist for type-2 diabetes, was launched in India on Dec 12
Doctors warn Ozempic is not a cosmetic weight-loss drug and requires medical supervision
Potential side effects include dehydration, pancreatitis, and risks with thyroid history

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Ozempic, the blockbuster weight-loss drug by Novo Nordisk, was launched in India on Friday (December 12). In India, the drug will be marketed for adults with type-2 diabetes, unlike in the US and Europe where it is also sold as Wegovy for weight loss. Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, which is a type of medicine called a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

GLP-1 is a hormone that is produced by the body. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, appetite and digestion. Semaglutide mimics the function of this hormone, and this makes the pancreas release more insulin. When your body releases more insulin, it helps in better management of blood sugar levels. Semaglutide also keeps you full for longer by slowing down how fast food leaves your stomach. Ozempic is taken as a once-weekly injection using a pre-filled pen.

Doctors in India, while hailing the launch of Ozempic in India, are highlight that the drug should be administered along with a healthy diet and regular exercise for management of type 2 diabetes, and not just as cosmetic procedure for weight loss. In fact, speaking to NDTV, most doctors across India reveal they are more worried about Ozempic being used for weight loss rampantly, even to the detriment of other health parameters. This, they warn, could be dangerous. Here's a closer look at what doctors had to say.

Dr Swati Maheshwari, Additional Director Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital Manesar told NDTV, "The launch of Ozempic in India is an important advancement in diabetes and obesity care, offering strong benefits for improving blood sugar levels, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risk, but it must be used responsibly and strictly under medical supervision."

Also Read: Ozempic Injection Price In India: How Affordable Is It For Diabetes And Weight Loss?

She further added, "A key caution for the general public is that Ozempic is not a cosmetic or quick weight-loss drug; it is a prescription-only injectable meant for people with type 2 diabetes and, selectively, for obesity with medical indications. Misuse-especially driven by social-media trends-can lead to serious consequences such as severe dehydration, gallstones, pancreatitis, muscle loss, and rapid weight regain when the drug is stopped abruptly."

Dr Maheshwari also shared that Indians who qualify for obesity treatment "must emphasise adequate protein intake, hydration, and strength training to prevent lean-muscle loss, which is a common risk when appetite drops significantly."

Dr Unnikrishnan, Chief Endocrinologist and CEO, Chellaram Diabetes Institute told ANI news agency, "It is a medicine used for both diabetes and weight treatment. While undergoing the course, one should follow a strict regime and engage in regular exercise. This medicine is not just for weight loss but for overall health, as it can also help prevent heart and kidney-related problems in diabetes patients."

Speaking to NDTV, Dr Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, Director - Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said, "The entry of Ozempic into the Indian market represents a highly significant step forward, and it primarily benefits people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. It allows patients to have access to a highly recognised and successful drug that not only helps control sugar levels but also works as an assisting factor in weight loss and lowering the risk factors associated with the cardiovascular system."

He further added, "It should be ensured that patients receive a comprehensive medical checkup before they start Ozempic. It should be ensured that patients communicate with their physician about their medical history and mention specific things."

Personal and family histories:

Any thyroid problems, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems.
All current prescribed medications, particularly any existing diabetes tablet and insulin therapies.
Anything unusual they might be noticing about symptoms they have been experiencing and if there are any unusual swelling or lumps within the neck region.

Also Read: Can Non-Diabetics Take Ozempic For Weight Loss? Doctor Answers

Dr Singh Saggu says that Ozempic contains a very serious warning, commonly known as a boxed warning, pertaining to the theoretical risk of thyroid C-cell tumours, based on preclinical animal studies. "It is very warningly advised that people with a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 should completely steer clear of this drug."

Dr Ankita Tiwari, Consultant - Diabetes & Endocrinology at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar told NDTV, "Use Ozempic carefully if you have a background of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, pancreatitis, or serious problems with your gastrointestinal system. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and constipation comprise common side effects, and serious side effects include problems associated with your gallbladder, kidneys, or allergic reactions such as swelling and difficulty breathing."

Dr Tiwari suggests that patients begin with a dose of 0.25 mg injection per week for four weeks, and then progress to 0.5 mg with proper medical supervision. "Also, it is necessary that it be conducted in association with changes in lifestyle and not as an alternate remedy," she added.

Dr Narendra BS, Lead Consultant – Endocrinology & Diabetology at Aster Whitefield, Bangalore said, “101 million people live with diabetes in India, and 77% of them have suboptimal control (A1C >7%). In addition, 70% of people with diabetes also have body weight issues. Effective and accessible therapies that address both glycaemia and weight are essential. Semaglutide is endorsed by the ADA as a ‘very high efficacy' therapy for both glucose lowering and weight reduction. Ozempic, manufactured by recombinant DNA technology, is approved in India for use as a first line therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes.”

Dr Abhijit Bhograj, Consultant - Endocrinologist Diabetes and Thyroid at Manipal Hospital Hebbal said, "Semaglutide is a powerful prescription medication that acts on appetite regulation and metabolic pathways. These drugs can be genuinely transformative when used in the right individuals, but they are not meant for indiscriminate or unsupervised use. Semaglutide should be viewed as a medical tool, not a shortcut. Responsible prescribing and monitored use are essential to ensure safety, effectiveness, and sustainable health outcomes."

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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