New Weight-Loss Drugs Explained - What Works and What to Watch For

Obesity is not just about how much you weigh, but also about how your body handles fat and sugar. Many people look healthy but still have hidden risks that could lead to serious diseases. A large national study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that about 29% of Indian adults are overweight or obese based on their body weight. Even more people—around 40%—have fat around their belly (called abdominal obesity), which is a big risk for diseases. Lifestyle modification including healthy diet and regular physical activity remains the cornerstone for obesity management. For some, even with sincere lifestyle efforts, weight loss remains challenging — and medical therapy can provide the needed support.

Newer weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have emerged as powerful tools in weight management and metabolic health. While originally developed for diabetes, these medications now offer new hope for individuals struggling with obesity—a condition linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. I will briefly discuss how these drugs work and what to watch for.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist which mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. Semaglutide is available both in oral form (Rybelsus) and Injectable form (Wegovy) in India. India has officially approved Ozempic recently. Rybelsus and Ozempic are approved for use in people with Type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is the only semaglutide preparation approved for weight loss in Obesity. Wegovy and Ozempic are given as once weekly subcutaneous injection.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide, available in India in the name of Mounjaro, acts on two hormones involved in blood sugar and appetite control—GLP-1 and GIP. This makes it a dual agonist and allows it to promote even more effective weight loss and metabolic benefits than GLP-1 drugs alone. Mounjaro is approved both for Type 2 diabetes and Obesity. It is taken as once weekly subcutaneous injection.

How do these medications help with weight loss?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide help weight loss through several mechanisms. They increase feelings of fullness, reduce hunger, and slow stomach emptying. By acting on brain regions involved in appetite, they help limit food cravings and overeating.

How much weight can be lost with GLP-1 agonists and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide can lead to about 15% average weight loss in one year. Tirzepatide has shown even higher results, up to 20% body weight reduction.

Who should consider using these drugs?

These medications are prescribed for adults with obesity (BMI . 30) or those overweight (BMI . 27) with health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These drugs should not be used solely for cosmetic purpose and should be used only under doctor supervision.

Are there side effects?

Common side effects are minor and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially early in treatment. Appetite is also reduced initially. Therefore, dose is escalated very gradually. Serious risks like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems are rare. Medical monitoring helps manage any issues.

Are these medications safe?

When prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals, semaglutide and tirzepatide are generally safe. Beyond weight loss, these medicines also support heart, liver, and kidney health. They are not recommended for cosmetic weight loss or people without obesity or related health problems. These drugs require a prescription and should be used as part of a supervised medical plan, ideally paired with healthy lifestyle changes.

What lifestyle changes need to be done along with these medications?

These medications work best when combined with targeted dietary modifications, regular exercise, and healthy habits. Increasing protein intake in diet along with strength training 3 times a week helps prevent muscle loss. Eating small meals and avoiding oily food helps reducing gut side effects of medicines.

What happens if the medication is stopped?

Stopping these drugs can lead to gradual weight regain. However, following a regular physical activity and diet plan can help maintain weight. Hence, long-term use combined with lifestyle changes offers the best chance to maintain weight loss.