Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Govt warns on rapid uptake of GLP-1 drugs
The Indian government has warned about the quick increase in the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.
They say we don't know enough about the long-term effects of these drugs.
A minister talked about this at a science festival and said we need to be careful and follow science when treating obesity.
He also said there's too much wrong information about weight loss and not enough good advice.
A doctor said these drugs have been safe so far, but we still need to watch for any problems.
The Indian government has warned about the rapid uptake of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy due to unknown long-term effects.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for scientific rigor and regulatory oversight in treating obesity.
Concerns were raised about misinformation and unregulated advice worsening India's metabolic health burden.
Dr Anoop Misra noted that while there's good experience with these drugs, continued monitoring is essential.
India's specific risk profile includes a higher prevalence of visceral fat in Asian populations.
- Who
- Indian government, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Dr Anoop Misra
- What
- Warning about the rapid uptake of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy
- When
- Just before the expected launch of Ozempic in India
- Where
- India, during the India International Science Festival (IISF)
- Why
- Due to unknown long-term effects and concerns about misinformation and unregulated advice
- Drugs in question
- Ozempic, Wegovy (GLP-1-based obesity drugs)
- Event
- India International Science Festival (IISF)
- Speaker
- Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and MoS PMO
- Concerns raised
- Unknown long-term effects, misinformation, unregulated advice
- India's risk profile
- Higher prevalence of visceral fat in Asian populations
- Expert's view
- Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences
- Expert's stance
- Good experience with drugs, but continued diligence essential
