Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has officially launched its much-awaited weight loss drug, Wegovy, in India. With obesity rates rising sharply across the country, this once-a-week injectable is being hailed as a breakthrough in medical weight management. The launch has also reignited discussions about the growing use of such drugs among Bollywood celebrities, though most remain silent on the topic.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is based on semaglutide, a compound that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. This hormone plays a key role in controlling hunger and calorie intake. Wegovy works by making people feel fuller for longer, reducing appetite and food cravings, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. The result is a significant reduction in calorie consumption, which leads to weight loss. It is administered as a weekly injection using a convenient pre-filled pen, known as the FlexTouch device, allowing users to self-administer the medicine with ease.

Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can help people lose over 20% of their body weight, a figure that far surpasses most older weight loss medications. In fact, around 85% of people using Wegovy in studies lost at least 5% of their weight, with a considerable number losing much more. These results are not only rapid but also sustainable, with weight loss maintained for up to four years in some studies. The drug is priced at Rs 4,336.25 per weekly dose for the lower strengths, with the monthly cost ranging from Rs 17,345 to Rs 26,015 depending on the dosage.

The arrival of Wegovy comes at a time when the Indian market is already seeing a surge in demand for weight loss drugs, following the earlier launch of Mounjaro by Eli Lilly. Both drugs are part of a new generation of medicines that target the hormonal and neurological roots of obesity, offering hope to those who have struggled with traditional diet and exercise.

Is Wegovy the New Celebrity Secret?

Wegovy’s launch has fuelled speculation about its use in Bollywood. Globally, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk have openly spoken about using similar weight loss drugs.

In India, however, most stars remain tight-lipped. Filmmaker Karan Johar’s recent weight loss transformation sparked rumours that he might be using Ozempic, a drug similar to Wegovy, but he has publicly denied these claims, stating that his weight loss was due to healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Despite the denials, the buzz around the so-called “skinny jab” continues to grow, with many in the industry and on social media speculating about its silent adoption among the elite.

Are there hidden risks with long-term Wegovy use?

Wegovy is generally considered safe when used under medical supervision, but there are important concerns about its long-term use. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and headaches, especially in the early weeks of treatment. More serious potential risks with prolonged use, as noted by global and Indian experts, include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and possible kidney damage. There are also ongoing discussions about rare risks such as infertility and even certain cancers, though these remain theoretical and require longer-term studies for confirmation.

Another key issue is that Wegovy’s benefits are closely tied to continued use. If the drug is stopped, most people regain much of the lost weight, which means patients may need to stay on it for years to maintain results. This raises questions about the safety and practicality of indefinite use, especially since muscle mass loss has been observed with significant weight reduction, making strength training and adequate protein intake essential during treatment.

Indian doctors stress that Wegovy is not a shortcut or a vanity drug; it must be prescribed for those with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with related health conditions, and always as part of a broader plan that includes diet and exercise. Proper screening and regular monitoring are crucial to minimise risks and catch rare but serious side effects early.

For now though, the experts agree that with India’s obesity rates climbing and the demand for effective solutions at an all-time high, Wegovy’s arrival marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against excess weight.