India has taken a big step forward in obesity treatment with the launch of the much-talked-about weight-loss drug Wegovy by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk. After getting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) four years ago and being used widely in other countries, Wegovy was officially launched in major Indian cities on June 24.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that belongs to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It was first made to treat type 2 diabetes, but doctors soon found that it also helped people lose weight. In clinical trials, some people lost 15 per cent to 20 per cent of their body weight, making it one of the most effective non-surgical options for weight loss available today.
Wegovy dosages and pricing available in India
Novo Nordisk is offering Wegovy in five dose strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. The injection is taken once a week using a FlexiPen, a pre-filled, easy-to-use injector pen.
Here’s what the monthly cost looks like:
- 0.25 mg to 1 mg: Rs 17,345/month (Rs 4,336.25 per weekly dose)
- 1.7 mg: Rs 24,280/month
- 2.4 mg: Rs 26,015/month
While pricing may be a little too high, Novo Nordisk has assured that the drug will be available through selected hospitals and pharmacies in Indian metros, with efforts to avoid supply shortages.
How Wegovy works?
Wegovy works by mimicking a natural gut hormone that affects the appetite centre in the brain. It slows down stomach emptying and helps users feel full for longer periods, reducing calorie intake. This combination leads to consistent and significant weight loss over time.
“Wegovy can be a powerful aid for people dealing with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol issues,” explains Dr. Ankit Potdar, Consultant, Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
“But it is not a magic bullet. It must be combined with lifestyle changes, diet, and regular monitoring by a medical professional,” he further said.
Who should use Wegovy?
Wegovy is not intended for general or cosmetic weight loss. It is approved for:
- Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30)
- Adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27) and have at least one weight-related health condition like diabetes or hypertension
“This is a prescription-only medicine that should be used only under strict medical supervision,” says Dr. Sonali Kagne, Consultant Endocrinologist at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.
“When used correctly, Wegovy doesn’t just help with weight loss — it also reduces the risk of heart disease in high-risk individuals.”
Side effects and risks of Wegovy
While Wegovy has shown impressive results in trials, it also comes with some side effects, most of which are mild and occur in the initial weeks of treatment:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
There are also some serious but less common side effects to be aware of:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Kidney problems
- Increased heart rate
“Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome should not use Wegovy due to a potential risk of thyroid tumours seen in animal studies,” explains Dr. Kagne.
“People with type 2 diabetes on insulin or sulfonylurea should also be monitored closely to avoid hypoglycemia,” she further says.
How is Wegovy as compared to other drugs?
Wegovy’s entry into the Indian market follows the launch of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) by Eli Lilly earlier this year. While both drugs target weight loss through similar hormone pathways, Wegovy’s once-a-week injectable pen and proven track record in long-term trials make it a strong contender for those seeking an effective, sustainable weight-loss treatment.
“The arrival of both Wegovy and Mounjaro gives patients and doctors real, scientifically backed choices,” says Dr. Potdar. “It brings hope to people for whom lifestyle changes alone weren’t enough.”
India is facing a growing obesity crisis, with rates steadily climbing in both urban and rural populations. “Obesity is a complex, chronic disease. Drugs like Wegovy offer a powerful new tool in our treatment arsenal,” Dr. Kagne shares. But it must be used correctly and with care. According to health experts, medications like Wegovy, when used responsibly and under medical guidance, can offer a vital solution for those with serious weight-related health issues.
