The Truth About New Weight-Loss Drugs: High Costs and Side Effects

Introduction

A new class of injectable weight-loss drugs, hailed as a medical breakthrough, has recently entered the Indian market, creating a massive buzz. Medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are being prescribed to help with significant weight loss, but a closer look at the experiences of users in Western countries, where these drugs have been available for longer, reveals a more complicated picture. The dream of a quick fix is often derailed by two major hurdles: prohibitive costs and uncomfortable side effects, leading many to abandon the treatment and risk regaining the weight.

Key Takeaways: The Reality of Weight-Loss Injections

• The Main Hurdles: The long-term use of new weight-loss drugs is primarily hindered by their high cost and significant side effects.
  
  
• The Drugs: The most talked-about medications are Mounjaro (from Eli Lilly) and Wegovy (from Novo Nordisk).
  
  
• The Side Effects: Common issues include persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  
  
• The Cost: In India, a six-month course can cost around ₹1 lakh.
  
  
• The Catch: Discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain, unless accompanied by intense physical activity.
  
  

The Prohibitive Cost of a “Miracle”

While these drugs are available in India at a lower price than in the West, they are by no means cheap. A six-month treatment plan can cost a patient around ₹1 lakh, making it an unsustainable option for a vast majority of the population.

This financial burden is a primary reason for discontinuation. A major study from Denmark, cited in reports, found that half of all users stopped the treatment within a year, with cost being a leading factor. This raises a critical question: is a temporary solution worth such a high price?

The Uncomfortable Reality of Side Effects

Beyond the cost, many users struggle with the physical toll of the medication. The most commonly reported weight-loss drugs side effects include:

• Persistent nausea
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Diarrhea

While doctors note that these side effects tend to subside after a few weeks as the body adjusts, for many, the initial period is too uncomfortable to endure, leading them to quit the treatment prematurely.

The Rebound Effect: A Lifelong Commitment?

Perhaps the most significant challenge is what happens after the injections stop. These drugs work by suppressing appetite and regulating blood sugar, but they do not permanently alter the body’s metabolism.

Endocrinologists warn that the 10-15 kg of weight loss typically achieved over six to nine months is not guaranteed to last. To prevent the weight from returning, a person must commit to a highly active and disciplined lifestyle. Without sustained physical activity and a controlled diet, the weight often creeps back, making the initial investment of time, money, and endurance seem futile.

Conclusion

The new generation of weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy offer a powerful tool in the fight against obesity, but they are not a simple “miracle cure.” The significant financial investment and the potential for uncomfortable side effects are major barriers to long-term success. Furthermore, the risk of regaining weight after stopping the medication suggests that these drugs are most effective not as a standalone solution, but as part of a larger, lifelong commitment to diet and exercise.


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Sources:

• The Times of India: For the initial report on the challenges of weight-loss drugs.
  

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