According to a 2024 report by the British Medical Journal, over the last five years, the market for weight loss drugs has grown at 32 per cent CAGR to 474 crore in January 2024. In just a year, the market for GLP-1 drugs in India has skyrocketed, soaring from $1.5 billion in 2023 to a staggering $3.6 billion in 2024. 

 

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Over time, the rate of obesity among the India population has grown, driving a craze for weight loss medications, experts warn that patient safety must come first. Now, healthcare professionals are advising stricter supervision to ensure these potent drugs are used responsibly. Weight loss isn't just about cutting calories, it’s about how your body processes food, regulates hormones, and manages energy. That’s where Ozempic and Mounjaro come in. These medications, originally developed for diabetes, are now making waves as powerful weight loss aids. But how exactly do they work?

We reached out to Dr. Sreekanth Jaganmani, General Physician and Internal Medicine Specialist at Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills and asked his opinion on the subject.

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Understanding Weight Loss Drugs 

At their core, both Ozempic and Mounjaro influence the body’s ability to manage blood sugar, regulate insulin, and control hunger. However, they do this in slightly different ways.

• Ozempic (GLP-1 receptor agonist): Mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. Its counterpart, Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) at a higher dose, is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management.
• Mounjaro (Dual GIP & GLP-1 receptor agonist): It targets both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, enhancing insulin production, improving blood sugar control, which promotes even better weight loss. Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but Zepbound, which has the same active ingredient (tripeptide), is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. While Mounjaro is approved only for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound provides a specific option for those seeking weight loss support. 

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Comparison Between Ozempic and Mounjaro

Both Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are injectable medications. 
In a 2025 study cited in the paper Drugs, 81.8 per cent of adults using Mounjaro experienced at least a 5 per cent weight loss within a year, compared to 66.5 per cent of those using Ozempic. 

Both medications are effective in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, Mounjaro's dual receptor activity may offer enhanced weight loss benefits. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual health profiles, weight loss goals, and potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. 

 

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Role in Weight Management and Beyond

While Ozempic and Mounjaro are renowned for their weight loss capabilities, their advantages extend significantly into broader metabolic and cardiovascular health improvements. 

1. Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Support

• Help with weight loss by making you feel full longer and reducing appetite.
• Slow down digestion, so you stay full and satisfied after meals.
• Keeps blood sugar in control of spikes and crashes, which means fewer cravings.
• Boost the body’s insulin production and help process glucose more efficiently.

2. Better Metabolic Health

• Improve the body’s response to insulin, helping lower and stabilise blood sugar.
• Increase insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
• Help regulate energy levels, so you feel more balanced and less fatigued during the day.

3. Heart Health Benefits

• May lower the cardiovascular risks and strokes in people with type 2 diabetes.

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Dosage Recommendations

Dosing regimen is designed to optimise efficacy while minimising side effects, and costs can vary based on dosage and insurance coverage.

• Starting Dose: The initial dose is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for the first four weeks to help the body adjust to the medication.
• Dose Escalation: After the initial four weeks, the dose is typically increased to 5 mg once weekly. Depending on individual response and tolerability, the dosage may be further increased in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly.
• Microdosing Considerations: The concept of "microdosing," or using doses lower than the recommended starting dose, has gained attention as a potential strategy to reduce side effects and costs. 

Besides, the cost of medications may vary from approximately Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 85000. 

 

Possible Side Effects of Ozempic & Mounjaro

Side effects of any medication differ from person to person. But, there might be some general signs of these drugs. These symptoms usually fade over time as your body gets used to the medication. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it, as advised by your doctor can help minimise side effects.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

 

Who Might Benefit from These Drugs?

• People with type 2 diabetes who need better blood sugar control.
• Individuals looking to lose weight, especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough.
• Those with obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or fatty liver.
• Anyone at risk of insulin resistance or metabolic issues, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

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Who Should Avoid Them

Not everyone is a good nominee for Ozempic or Mounjaro, and certain health conditions may make these medications risky. 

Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Those with a history of pancreatitis should also exercise caution. Additionally, individuals who have experienced pancreatitis in the past should use these medications with caution

​Mounjaro and Ozempic are both effective treatments for type 2 diabetes that can aid in weight management. Mounjaro may lead to more significant weight loss due to its dual-action mechanism, while Ozempic has proven cardiovascular benefits. Each medication has unique side effects and costs. Book now to consult a physician through UR.Life to determine the most suitable option based on individual health needs, goals, and financial considerations.​

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