India is entering a new era in weight-loss management as Eli Lilly officially launched its groundbreaking drug, Mounjaro, on March 20, 2025, following approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This launch comes amidst growing concerns regarding the obesity epidemic that affects millions of Indians.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is an innovative injectable medication designed to assist both weight management and type 2 diabetes control. President of Eli Lilly India, Winselow Tucker, emphasized the urgency of addressing obesity and diabetes, highlighting a Lancet study that predicts 44 crore people in India could be obese by 2050. “The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India,” Tucker stated.
Obesity rates in India are alarming, with 24% of women and 23% of men aged 15-49 classified as overweight or obese between 2019-2021. The Economic Survey for 2023-24 pinpointed obesity as a critical health challenge that could endanger India's demographic dividend if trends continue. Currently, about 101 million people in India are living with diabetes, and nearly half do not have proper glycemic control. Obesity is linked to over 200 health complications, including heart disease and hypertension.
The financial implications of the obesity crisis are staggering. In 2019, the economic burden of overweight and obesity in India was estimated at $28.95 billion, accounting for 1% of GDP. This figure is projected to balloon to $838.6 billion by 2060, representing a significant 2.5% of India's GDP, thus threatening the nation’s economic ambitions.
Pricing plays a pivotal role in drug accessibility. Mounjaro is priced significantly lower than in the U.S., costing about ₹3,500 ($40.54) for the 2.5 mg vial and ₹4,375 ($50.67) for the 5 mg vial. However, the projected monthly treatment could range from ₹14,000 to ₹17,500, making its affordability a concern for many Indian consumers.
The drug's mechanism is a breakthrough, as it acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which regulate appetite and blood sugar. According to clinical trials, participants lost an average of 21.8 kg over 72 weeks at the highest dose (15 mg) and 15.4 kg at the lowest (5 mg). By comparison, those on a placebo lost only 3.2 kg. Mounjaro is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) and overweight individuals (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions.
As the weight-loss drug market rapidly expands in India, it is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of over 30%, approaching nearly ₹600 crore. Global pharmaceutical companies believe India presents a lucrative opportunity, especially as they anticipate annual sales of $1.5 billion for Eli Lilly if a small percentage of the diabetic population turns to Mounjaro.
Eli Lilly's rival, Novo Nordisk, is reportedly fast-tracking its Wegovy launch in India, eyeing a 2025 debut due to the surging demand for effective weight-loss treatments. Wegovy, a semaglutide drug, is expected to go off-patent by 2026, leading to an influx of generic alternatives from local pharmaceutical companies such as Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy's.
Notably, during his Mann Ki Baat address in February 2025, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of combating rising obesity in India. He shared that one in every eight people in India is affected by obesity and inspired citizens to cut their edible oil consumption by 10% monthly. “We need to focus on promoting healthy eating habits from infancy through adulthood,” Dr. Ambrish Mithal, head of endocrinology at Max Healthcare, emphasized.
The challenge lies in ensuring that individuals use Mounjaro responsibly. Dr. Mithal raised concerns about potential misuse and urged patients to seek guidance from healthcare professionals rather than using these medicines casually. Furthermore, integrating these medications into comprehensive treatment plans that include lifestyle modifications will be essential in curbing the obesity epidemic in India.
Despite the promising developments, the future is fraught with challenges. With a growing number of obesity cases prevalent in urban areas, where 29.8% of men and 33.2% of women are overweight, the health system could face significant strains if effective measures aren't implemented soon. The keys to success will be awareness, responsible use of medications, and a commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles.
In a landscape where obesity threatens economic growth, Mounjaro offers a beacon of hope. As India stands on the threshold of a weight-loss drug wave, the critical query remains: Can the country effectively tackle its obesity crisis before it spirals into an economic disaster?
