India sees sixfold surge in weight-loss drug demand amid misuse concerns

India is experiencing a surge in demand for weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, originally developed for diabetes but now sought for their appetite-suppressing effects to combat obesity and related health issues. Young professionals, particularly in urban areas, are increasingly requesting these medications, though healthcare experts caution against misuse and emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes alongside medical supervision. The anti-obesity drug market in India has grown sixfold recently, dominated by products from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Globally, these drugs are transforming obesity treatment, offering significant weight loss, but they also pose risks and raise questions about long-term use and psychological impacts. Research presented at ACR Convergence 2025 shows that weight loss from these drugs can lower serum urate levels in gout patients, highlighting broader metabolic benefits. Despite growing demand, issues such as insurance coverage, drug pricing, and competition are shaping the future market, with major pharmaceutical companies racing to develop new, more convenient treatments, including oral versions of these medications.