Weight loss injections: Top endocrinologist on why there's a thin line between miracle solution and expensive risk

Weight loss shortcuts: Unverified products can cause infections, pancreatitis, severe sugar crashes, or long-term hormonal damage. One wrong vial can undo years of effort, warn experts (Representative image: Pexels)

For the first time, India is witnessing something remarkable, where people who have struggled with weight for 10, 15, even 20 years are shedding kilos, without excessive gym sessions, crash diets, or trendy detox plans. The secret is a new generation of weight-loss injections, including semaglutide (ozempic) and tirzepatide (mounjaro), promising results once thought impossible.

The transformation is real, but so is the price tag.

Dr Pranav Ghody, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, tells Moneycontrol: "Obesity is a medical condition, not a flaw. These medications,  semaglutide and tirzepatide, don’t just suppress appetite. They calm hunger hormones, improve sugar control, reduce inflammation, and even support heart and liver health. For people with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, they can act like a reset button.”

Also read | 38-YO woman just walked for 12 minutes everyday and lost weight naturally; Credits Japanese walking technique

Many lose 10–15 percent of their body weight within months, a result that previously took years of effort.

But every miracle comes with a reality check. The biggest shock, Dr Ghody says, is that these injections are expensive. And because obesity is a chronic condition, many patients require treatment for months, sometimes years. “This is where shortcuts come in, disguised as unregulated powders, cheap online alternatives, or 'duplicate versions' circulating in the market. This isn’t saving money, it’s risking your health. Unverified products can cause infections, pancreatitis, severe sugar crashes, or long-term hormonal damage. One wrong vial can undo years of effort.”

Abruptly discontinuing these injections often leads to weight regain, up to 14 percent in a year. “Obesity behaves like blood pressure or diabetes,” says Dr Ghody. “The medicine starts the journey, but daily habits keep it going,” he says.

Also read | 6 easy and effective ways to lose weight naturally for those stuck in office all day

How to do it right

Dr Ghody suggests ways smart patients can lose weight in a healthy way:

• Say no to shortcuts: Stick to regulated medication under supervision.
• Think long-term: Weight loss is a marathon — nutrition, exercise, and sleep are essential.
• Dose optimisation: Not everyone needs the maximum dose. A maintenance dose can reduce cost while sustaining results.
• Keep options open: For some, bariatric surgery may be safer, faster, and more cost-effective.

He adds that India-based formulations are entering the market, competition is increasing, and next-gen drugs are in trials. “Prices are expected to drop, making these treatments more accessible.”

Weight loss injections, like semaglutide (ozempic) and tirzepatide (mounjaro), are medications that help reduce appetite, control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and support heart and liver health.

Many users experience a 10-15 percent reduction in body weight within months, a result that traditionally required years of effort.

Yes, they are expensive and may need to be used for months or years. Unregulated alternatives can cause serious health issues like infections, pancreatitis, or hormonal damage.

Stopping these injections suddenly can lead to weight regain, often up to 14 percent within a year.

Patients should use regulated medications under supervision, focus on long-term lifestyle changes, consider lower maintenance doses to reduce costs, and explore other options like bariatric surgery if suitable.