

“It should not be the first-line treatment for obesity for all. WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS THAT WE NEED TO KNOW? It is indeed more effective than any drug in the recent past,” says Dr Ambrish Mithal, Chairman and Head, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare. “This drug becomes effective in typical Type 2 diabetics as their weight drives blood glucose. It should be prescribed to those who might not see a lot of impact with dieting or cannot exercise because of joint pains due to their weight,” says Dr Misra. The medicine can help people lose weight, especially in those with a history of obesity and related diseases in the family.

There are other weight loss drugs available in the market but none as effective. The drug has shown to help study participants lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some losing even up to 20 per cent, which is unheard of with any other intervention except for bariatric surgery. “With obesity becoming an increasing health burden for India – it is estimated that 9.5 per cent of all men and 13.9 per cent of all women will be obese by 2040 – it comes as close to a magic bullet as any drug can. It has also been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, the diabetes medicine at higher doses has shown remarkable results. It is nothing but the new weight-loss medicine Semaglutide.
