Obesity is a growing public health concern in India, impacting individuals of all ages and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Driven by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors, obesity is rising rapidly, impacting both urban and rural populations. This trend is driving market growth, particularly within the anti-obesity drug market, attracting new players, and potentially leading to a shift in how obesity is managed, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center, the diagnosed prevalent cases of obesity in India are expected to increase from 13.75 million in 2024 to 14.63 million in 2031 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.89%.
Anti-obesity medications have gained significant global attention, and their popularity is also increasing in India. Orlistat, semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide are key molecules in this space and are experiencing significant growth and revenue generation. Of these, orlistat (multiple generic manufacturers) and semaglutide (Novo Nordisk) are approved for obesity in India, with semaglutide’s patent set to expire in March 2026. Both dulaglutide and liraglutide are used off-label for obesity.
Nadim Anwer, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Weight loss drugs have gained popularity in recent years as people seek effective and easily accessible solutions to manage their weight. However, several factors hinder its acceptance, including rising side effects, affordability, and lack of awareness. Alternative treatment and fundamental lifestyle changes can be seen as viable options to counter obesity.”
Recognizing this opportunity, Eli Lilly recently launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a once-weekly injection, marking the introduction of the first medication for obesity and type 2 diabetes in India. Just three months after its launch in March 2025, Eli Lilly has received an encouraging response in India, and the demand for Mounjaro is gradually increasing. The company has also initiated a campaign to combat the stigma associated with obesity.
On the other hand, Novo Nordisk is perceived as lagging behind Eli Lilly in launching Wegovy (semaglutide injection) in India; however, the company has not announced a timeline for its launch but has started the “Break the Partnership” campaign to raise awareness about the link between weight and diabetes.
Meanwhile, Indian drugmakers are racing to develop and market generic versions of Wegovy once the patents expire, hoping to capture a share of the growing weight-loss market. A legal battle has emerged as Novo Nordisk filed a patent infringement plea against Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and OneSource Specialty Pharma, leading the Delhi High Court to restrain them from launching generic semaglutide in India.
Nadim concludes: “In India, obesity is a significant health challenge and requires a multifaceted approach to address its causes and consequences. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk’s new anti-obesity drugs represent a significant advancement in obesity treatment, offering the potential for more effective and targeted interventions. Rising obesity rates in India, coupled with increased awareness and the availability of generics in 2026 and beyond, could create a significant market for both international and domestic companies.”
