Wet-Loss Drugs in India now: How does it work and who should take it
Novo Nordisk has once introduced a weekly weight loss injection Wagovi in India. The purpose of the drug is to manage obesity and reduce heart risks amidst the country’s growing obesity crisis.
In short
- Wegovy is a weekly injection that mimics natural hormone GLP-1
- The drug reduces appetite, edible crawings and helps control blood sugar levels
- Clinical tests show a reduction in body weight in about 68 weeks
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weight loss drug Vegovi in India. The drug, which contains semaglutide, works by regulating appetite and food intake, and is now the first drug in India, which is approved for both long -term weight management and decrease in heart risk in overweight or obese people.
But what is the vegovi really, and how does it work?
At its core, Vegovi is once a week -long prescription -cavalry injection that mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP -1 (Glucagon -like Peptide -1). This hormone plays an important role in hunger regulation. When you take the vegovi, it binds GLP -1 receptors in the brain, helps reduce appetite, feels complete soon, reduces the craving of food and helps to control blood sugar levels.
This biological mechanism makes people easier to stick to a low calorie diet without constantly feeling deprived-unlike traditional weight-loss methods that rely on a sheer willpower alone.
What is science behind this?
The active ingredient in vegovi is semaglutide, a component is also used in Novo Nordisk’s type 2 diabetes drug ozmpic (not available in India). While ozmpic blood sugar is for control, the vegovi uses a high dose of especially for weight management and heart health especially semaglutide (up to 2.4 mg).
Clinical trials have shown that Vagovi, when combined with diet and physical activity, goes to:
Body weight loss up to 20% of 3 of 3 people within about 68 weeks
20% lower risk of major heart problems such as stroke, heart attack, and heart related death, especially in people living with already heart condition and obesity
How is Vagovi taken?
Wegovy is administered once a week using an easy-to-use injection pen. It comes in the strength of five doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg.
Patients usually begin with the lowest dose and gradually increase to a full dose of 2.4 mg under the guidance of their doctor.
What is the cost of Wegovy?
The first three doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 mg) are priced at Rs 17,345 per month (about Rs 4,366 per week). The price of 1.7 mg is Rs 24,280 per month and the cost of 2.4 mg (full dose) is Rs 26,015 for one month.
The company says that this price structure is designed to make the drug more accessible as obesity cases grow across the country.
Why does it matter to India
According to a major study of 2023 by Indian Medical Research and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, India has the third highest number of obesity or overweight people. The report found that 254 million Indians, or about 29% of the population is affected.
Obesity is often misunderstood as a lifestyle issue, but experts say that it is a chronic condition that is affected by genetics, environment, biology and mental health – not only food or exercise habits. It also increases the risk of more than 200 diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders and some cancers.
Who should use Vegovi?
Wegovy is a prescription-keval drug which means:
- Adult with body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
- 27 or more BMI adults who also have weight related to weight
It should be used under medical supervision, as it can cause side effects in some people, the company said.
“Obesity is not just a personal health concern, it is a national epidemic. Vagovi provides a proven, science-supported solution with a user-friendly device. The same cost for India-specific pricing and the same cost for the first three doses, we are strengthening our commitment to address the country’s growing Obesity Burdon.”
Medications such as vegovi and mounjaro represent a new era in the treatment of obesity in India, giving hope to millions of people who struggle with weight and related health issues. By working with the body’s natural hunger signals and just by showing benefits beyond weight loss, it is more than a slimming help – this is a chronic care solution.
As usual, people considering Vegovi should consult their doctor to understand whether it is perfect for their health needs.
