Leading medical experts from Pune and Mumbai have underscored the need for a holistic, medically supervised framework for weight-loss management using Semaglutide, as the globally successful therapy goes off patent in India. 

The experts described Semaglutide as a clinically proven option for managing diabetes and weight, but cautioned that patient eligibility assessment, metabolic evaluation, and valid prescription by a healthcare professional are essential before treatment initiation.

The specialists also stressed the importance of patient counselling, dosage titration, and routine follow-up, particularly during the initial phase when side effects such as mild nausea or early satiety may occur. With gradual dose escalation and regular physician engagement, these effects are generally manageable and help improve long-term adherence.

They further warned against the misuse of Semaglutide by individuals seeking rapid weight loss without meeting clinical eligibility criteria. A careful treatment plan, they said, should include adequate protein intake, strength training, and continuous monitoring to prevent muscle loss and support safe, sustainable outcomes.

The experts also differentiated the innovator biologic Semaglutide molecule from newer synthetic or chemical generic versions entering the market, noting that the original therapy is backed by nearly 50 clinical trials across multiple indications and more than a decade of global use by over 25 million patients.

Dr Sanjay Agarwal, Diabetologist & Internal Medicine specialist, stated: “Obesity is a widespread issue in India, with 70% of the population affected in some form. While traditional methods like diet and exercise offered modest weight loss, they were insufficient for individuals with a BMI above 30. The advent of Semaglutide provides a promising and affordable solution to bridge the treatment gap. By reducing weight, we can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.”

According to Dr Jagdish Hiremath, Cardiologist, “This drug has shown significant benefits in reducing weight, improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and even conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea and heart failure. Availability of therapies like Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in clinical practice and we are fortunate to offer such therapy to our patients. This is a vital drug for clinicians, enabling more effective management of obesity, metabolic disorders and cardiometabolic risk, and must be used with due precautions and counselling in order to provide maximum benefits safely.”

Dr Rajiv Kovil, Diabetologist said, “Semaglutide marks a significant breakthrough in our ability to address the root cause of obesity and diabetes—the wrong deposition of fat in organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. With each percentage of fat reduction, we see a meaningful modification in disease outcomes. By reducing weight by 10–15%, we can improve conditions like fatty liver, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and even help patients reduce their medication requirements. This drug not only reduces weight but also offers substantial protection to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart.”

Dr Vaishali Deshmukh, Senior Endocrinologist commented: “Obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue but a disease affecting multiple organs in the body. We must focus on adipocyte or fat health similar to any organ health, and metabolic evaluation must be done along with BMI and body composition assessment to understand the true impact of obesity. Semaglutide, when combined with lifestyle changes, can help manage weight more effectively, especially when traditional methods stop working or plateau. It offers a powerful tool in addressing obesity and its related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and many more.”