July 3, 2025
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Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has officially launched its much-anticipated anti-obesity drug Wegovy in India, marking a significant step in the country’s battle against rising obesity and related health risks.

Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is designed for long-term weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults who are obese or overweight with associated health conditions. The drug mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and satiety, helping users feel full longer and reduce food cravings.

  • Clinical Impact: Trials show that one in three users can lose up to 20% of body weight over 68 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. It also significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
  • Eligibility: Approved for adults with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with weight-related conditions. It must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional due to potential side effects like nausea and digestive discomfort.
  • Market Strategy: Novo Nordisk is launching Wegovy across urban and rural India, aiming to make it one of the top healthcare launches in the country. The move comes amid growing competition from rival drugs like Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.

India currently has over 254 million people classified as overweight or obese, making it the third-largest population globally in this category. Experts view Wegovy not as a cosmetic solution but as a medical intervention for chronic disease prevention and healthier aging.

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