Why in News: India faces a dual burden of health: under-nutrition continues while obesity is escalating rapidly. Even individuals with normal BMI are metabolically unhealthy, increasing risks of diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and premature mortality.
Emergence of GLP-1 Drugs
- Semaglutide (brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) – a GLP-1 receptor agonist – approved in India in 2022 for diabetes.
- Incidentally promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion.
- Adopted by elite weight-loss centres with tailored diets and exercise.
Health Benefits
- Weight reduction, improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular events, kidney protection, improved liver health.
- Restoration of menstrual cycles, improved ovulation in PCOS, possible fertility benefits.
Challenges
1. Side Effects – nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain; serious risks: gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, kidney issues, thyroid tumours, lean muscle loss, psychological impacts.
2. Equity Divide – Urban wealthy can afford semaglutide; rural and low-income groups remain underserved in basic diabetes/obesity care.
3. Systemic Risks – Weak enforcement → OTC misuse, unsafe online sourcing.
4. Policy Distortion – Focus on costly drugs may divert resources from preventive health programmes (nutrition, lifestyle campaigns).
Way Forward
- Use selectively for patients with diabetes/CVD risk not responding to lifestyle therapies.
- Integrate into community-based preventive strategies rather than replacing them.
- Bring under price control post-2026 patent expiry to ensure affordability.
- Balance between drug innovation and public health equity is essential for sustainable obesity care.
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper II – Governance & Health Policy
Public Health Challenges
Mains Practice Question:
Q.While GLP-1 drugs offer new opportunities in obesity and diabetes management, they also raise public health and equity concerns. Discuss.
