Novo Nordisk Launches Weekly Weight Loss Shot
Global healthcare giant Novo Nordisk has introduced its popular weight loss drug Wegovy in India. This weekly injection is now available for people struggling with obesity, bringing new momentum to the country’s expanding anti-obesity drug market.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics a natural gut hormone. It helps curb appetite, regulate blood sugar, and slow digestion. While semaglutide is also found in diabetes medications like Ozempic and Rybelsus, Wegovy is designed specifically to help with weight loss in severely obese patients.
How Much Does It Cost in India?
Novo Nordisk has introduced tiered pricing based on dosage strength.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg: ₹17,345 per month
- 1.7 mg: ₹24,280 per month
- 2.4 mg: ₹26,015 per month
The first three doses are priced equally to ease the transition for patients starting treatment.
Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Which Works Better?
Mounjaro, made by Eli Lilly and already available in India, is Wegovy’s main competitor. It uses tirzepatide, a different compound with stronger weight loss effects.
In head-to-head trials:
- 42.3% of Mounjaro users lost at least 15% of body weight
- Only 18.1% of Wegovy users saw the same result
- Average weight loss:
- Mounjaro: 15.3%
- Wegovy: 8.3%
Despite these numbers, Wegovy still offers valuable health benefits, especially for people with heart and liver issues.
Proven Health Benefits of Wegovy
Clinical trials show that Wegovy users may experience more than just weight loss:
- 15% average body weight reduction
- 1 in 3 lost up to 20% of their weight
- 20% lower risk of heart attack or stroke
- 19% reduction in all-cause mortality
- 69% fewer heart failure events
- 63% saw a reversal of liver fat build-up
These added benefits make Wegovy especially useful for patients with other chronic conditions.
Risks and Warnings to Consider
Doctors caution that Wegovy isn’t a magic fix. Some users lose muscle mass along with fat. Others may regain weight after stopping the drug. Medical supervision is essential during and after treatment.
India’s Growing Obesity Challenge
India is seeing a sharp rise in obesity, especially in urban areas. Experts urge that obesity be treated as a chronic medical condition, not just a lifestyle issue. The arrival of advanced treatments like Wegovy reflects a shift in how the disease is being addressed.
Wegovy brings a fresh option for weight loss to India’s healthcare landscape. With its weekly dose, proven health benefits, and focus on long-term management, it could be a game-changer for those who qualify. But like any prescription drug, it should be used carefully and under a doctor’s guidance.
