A weight-loss shot priced at Rs 14,000 per month has arrived in India, as pharmaceutical giants target the country’s growing obesity problem. The launch of Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug, comes as global pharmaceutical companies race to capitalize on the rising demand for obesity treatments in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the alarming rise in obesity in India, referencing a Lancet study that predicts up to 44 crore people could be obese by 2050. He warned that a third of the population could suffer from serious health issues due to obesity. The financial impact of overweight and obesity was estimated at $28.95 billion in 2019, or 1% of India’s GDP, according to the Global Obesity Observatory. This figure is expected to soar to $838.6 billion by 2060, consuming 2.5% of India’s GDP.
Growing Weight-Loss Drug Market
India’s weight-loss drug market has been expanding rapidly, growing at a rate of over 30% annually over the past five years, and now approaching nearly Rs 600 crore. With over 100 million obese adults and 101 million diabetics, global pharmaceutical companies see India as a key market for weight-loss treatments. But as these drugs gain popularity, the question remains: Is India ready for this wave of weight-loss solutions?
Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro Takes the Lead
In a significant move, U.S.-based Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India, marking the first introduction of a GLP-1 weight-loss drug in the country. Approved by India’s drug regulator, Mounjaro is available in doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg, priced at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375, respectively. The monthly cost for a patient is approximately Rs 14,000 for the 2 mg weekly dose and Rs 16,500 for the 5 mg weekly dose, making it a premium product in India.
Mounjaro’s launch puts pressure on Novo Nordisk, the Danish company behind the popular drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Novo Nordisk had initially planned to launch Wegovy in India by 2026, but reports now suggest the company is aiming for an early 2025 launch. Wegovy has already received approval in India, but an official launch date has not been announced.
Pricing Struggles: Global Giants vs Local Generics
While Mounjaro costs $1,086 per month in the U.S., its pricing in India is notably lower. However, some analysts argue that the drug remains too expensive for many Indian consumers. India’s local pharmaceutical giants, such as Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin, are working to develop generic versions of these blockbuster weight-loss drugs. The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, is expected to go off-patent in India by 2026, opening the door for more affordable alternatives.
Rising Obesity and Diabetes: A Growing Health Crisis
India’s obesity and diabetes rates are rising sharply, creating a healthcare crisis. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that the number of adults with diabetes in India will surge from 74.2 million in 2021 to over 124 million by 2045. Government data reveals that 24% of women and 23% of men aged 15-49 were overweight or obese between 2019 and 2021, a significant increase from the previous decade.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 has flagged obesity as a critical health challenge, warning that India’s demographic dividend could be at risk without improvements in fitness levels. The problem is particularly severe in urban areas, where obesity rates are far higher than in rural areas. Among men, 29.8% in urban areas are overweight or obese compared to 19.3% in rural areas. For women, the urban rate stands at 33.2%, while in rural areas, it is 19.7%. The rise in sedentary lifestyles and the increased consumption of processed foods in cities are exacerbating the situation.
The Economic Impact of Obesity
If obesity rates continue to climb, India’s long-term economic growth could be at risk. The country’s demographic dividend—its large working-age population—is a key driver of growth. However, a workforce in poor health could result in lower productivity and higher healthcare costs, weakening India’s economic edge. As many developed nations, such as Japan and parts of Europe, face aging populations, India’s struggle with obesity could make it more difficult for the country to establish itself as a global economic powerhouse.
The Future of India’s Weight-Loss Drug Market
With a $150 billion global market for weight-loss drugs, India is poised to become a key battleground for these treatments. Eli Lilly’s first-mover advantage gives it a head start, but Novo Nordisk’s aggressive push and the development of local generics could shake up the market. As weight-loss drugs become more accessible, the real challenge remains: Can India curb its obesity crisis before it spirals into a major economic disaster?
