Weight-loss medications have become a major global healthcare trend, yet India is following a distinct path. Although obesity levels are rising and generic versions of GLP-1 drugs have become far more affordable, Indian consumers have not embraced these treatments as rapidly as anticipated.
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath recently commented on the pattern, expressing surprise that sales of generic GLP-1 medicines have not surged following patent expirations that lowered prices. His remarks responded to an Economic Times report noting that domestic manufacturers, which set ambitious first-year revenue targets for generic semaglutide, have quietly lowered those goals.
Kamath shared his observations on X, stating he expected demand to rise sharply once costs dropped. He noted the medicines now range from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 monthly, cheaper than many gym memberships. Evidence also suggests benefits beyond weight reduction, including cardiovascular, metabolic and liver health improvements. Nevertheless, manufacturers have cut sales forecasts by 25 to 30 percent, indicating weaker demand.
Kamath observed that India presents an unusual market. With obesity increasing, he anticipated strong growth in generic GLP-1 sales after patents ended. Retention appears to be the main issue, as the drugs require weekly injections and weight returns if treatment stops. He suggested that committing to indefinite weekly injections is difficult for many.
Additional barriers include conservative prescribing practices among Indian physicians compared with Western counterparts and the discomfort of self-injection, which may deter people from starting. Kamath wondered whether newly available oral GLP-1 pills might improve adoption rates.
His comments arrive as obesity continues to climb worldwide and research points to wider health benefits of these medicines.
