Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India in March, becoming the first pharma company to bring to India a treatment widely used in the West to manage type 2 diabetes and associated obesity. Mouzaro is a once-weekly injectable drug approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). This could be a significant step for improving metabolic health management in India, where these two health risks pose a major health burden. The drug is priced at 3,500 rupees for a 0.5 ml vial of 1 mg. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk had applied for marketing authorisation quite some time back but due to supply constraints, they were unable to launch it sooner, Eli Lilly now having entered the market has gained the first mover advantage.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro mimics the effects of two natural hormones — GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) that regulate natural appetite, blood sugar and digestion by enhancing insulin secretion and delaying gastric emptying, leading to reduced food intake, improved insulin senstivity, and weight loss. This offers a more comprehensive metabolic impact, with promising results in weight loss and improved glycemic control. So, this drug is not just for diabetic patients but will be a step further in helping lead people to a better life while losing those extra kilos.
How is this new drug different from Ozempic?
Ozempic, which was approved by the FDA in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes, gained widespread recognition for its off-label use in weight management. Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which mimics GLP-1, aiding in appetite suppression, slowing digestion and helping in weight management. However, it is to be noted that Ozempic was not supposed to be or approved to be a weight management drug that it has evolved into today. Mounjaro on the other hand is approved for both weight loss and diabetic patients, for its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors leading to more significant weight loss in clinical trials. It definitely has an edge over Ozempic for those seeking metabolic health improvements.
KJo and Jr NTR’s Drastic Weight Loss Fuel Rumours of Ozempic Use
The popularity of these drugs has sparked speculation about celebrities using these drugs for their drastic weight loss transformation. Karan Johar, one of the most papped celebrities who was recently seen flaunting a leaner physique, was rumoured to be using Ozempic for weight loss. However, he denied all such claims, attributing his transformation to discipline, diet, and dedication.
Notwithstanding his denial of the use of any such drug, many netizens pointed out facial changes to support their claims— often called “Ozempic face” — as signs of rapid fat loss, which include sunken cheeks, sagging skin, and a hollowed appearance.
Jr NTR also found himself in the center of a storm on social media after his remarkably leaner physique at events fuelled rumours of using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. However, sources close to him, denied the rumours, clarifying it to be a part of his transformation for an upcoming flick. Even then, it didn’t stop the speculation and search for that magic diet that helped him with this extreme weight loss.
Weight loss drugs are slowly and steadily entering the conversations around weight management and diabetes control. With Mounjaro now available in India, a new chapter begins in tackling the dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes. But what needs to be kept in mind is that everything is to be used in moderation and nothing can replace the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
