The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a significant warning regarding new weight loss drug prescription practices. Specifically, they highlight the misuse and mis-prescription of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. IMA national president Dilip Bhanushali states that only certified endocrinologists or diabetologists should prescribe these GLP-1 medications. The IMA, representing modern medicine practitioners, plans to approach the health ministry and drug regulator. They advocate for stringent prescription controls across India. [2]
Indeed, the IMA shares its concerns among members. For instance, Bhanushali emphasized the need for specialized oversight. He stated, “It is a new drug, and we do not know its long-term complications.” Therefore, the association plans to write to the government. They urge that patients obtain these powerful drugs only with a proper, verified prescription. [2]
Regulating Weight Loss Drug Prescription for Patient Safety
The widespread misuse of these newly launched weight loss drugs is escalating concerns. Often, non-modern medicine practitioners prescribe them. This group includes cosmetologists, physiotherapists, and even ayurveda practitioners. Dr. Geoffrey Vaz, a dermatologist at Mumbai’s Maven Esthetics, observed many such practitioners prescribing Mounjaro and Wegovy excessively. Patients seek quick weight loss, perhaps for social media appearance or screen presence. Consequently, such random dispensing raises serious questions about patient safety and appropriate medical care. [2]
Under existing laws, any registered medical practitioner (MBBS or MD) can legally prescribe weight-loss or GLP-1 drugs. However, this broad allowance, without specific guidance, causes considerable alarm within the medical community. Furthermore, this lack of specificity facilitates easy access and potential misuse. Online chemists, for example, reportedly sell Mounjaro with minimal prescription verification. Consequently, better regulatory mechanisms are clearly needed to ensure patient well-being. [2, 7]
Market Growth and the Future of Weight Loss Drug Prescription
The domestic weight-loss drug market is projected to expand significantly. It will grow from approximately Rs 700 crore currently to Rs 8,000-10,000 crore by the end of the decade. This growth underscores the urgency of establishing clear guidelines. While some MBBS practitioners prescribe these drugs, they often do so in collaboration with diabetologists and general MD physicians. This collaborative approach reflects responsible practice. It also acknowledges the complexity of these medications. [2]
The IMA recently advised caution against the misuse of over-the-counter ‘miracle’ anti-aging pills. Similarly, the widespread availability of new weight loss medicines “anywhere and everywhere with almost every pharmacist” without proper checks is problematic. Reportedly, prescribers often generate prescriptions for a nominal fee. Verification processes are lacking. This situation creates a dangerous loophole since no legal binding defines who can write such prescriptions. [2]
Potential Side Effects and Expert Recommendations
Globally, the USFDA has previously reported hundreds of dosing errors leading to hospitalizations. This highlights similar concerns over misuse and unsafe access. Dr. Neeraj Tulara, a specialist at LH Hiranandani Hospital, suggests that a larger population will experience real side effects when taking these drugs. This will become particularly evident once cheaper generics enter the market next year. In an ideal scenario, diabetologists, general MD physicians, or endocrinologists should prescribe these medications. This ensures proper patient counseling on effects, side effects, and necessary precautions. Such guidance maintains efficacy and prevents complications. [2, 6, 12]
Analysts estimate about 100,000 people in India currently use these drugs. Projections indicate a surge to 1.2 million within two years. An expected 80% price drop for semaglutide (Wegovy) after its patent expires in March 2026 could see the number reach four million by 2029–30. This patent expiry will pave the way for multiple Indian generics. This makes the drugs more accessible and further emphasizes the need for robust prescription controls. [2, 7]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is the IMA concerned about new weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The IMA is concerned due to potential misuse, mis-prescription, and limited long-term complication data for these new GLP-1 medications. They believe non-specialists are prescribing these drugs without proper oversight, posing risks to patient safety. [2, 6]
Q2: Who should ideally prescribe these weight-loss medications?
According to the IMA, certified endocrinologists or diabetologists are the most suitable specialists. General MD physicians may also prescribe them in conjunction with specialists. This ensures proper patient counseling and monitoring. [2, 3, 6]
Q3: What are the potential consequences of unregulated access to these drugs?
Unregulated access can lead to dosing errors, severe side effects, and hospitalizations, as seen globally. It allows non-specialized practitioners to prescribe without fully understanding the drug’s complexities, compromising patient safety and efficacy. [2, 7, 13]
References
- IMA warns of misuse, mis-prescription of new weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovyand Mounjaro – ETHealthworld
- Mounjaro enters India as weight-loss drug, but doctors warn against misuse – The Economic Times
- The Quick-Fix Paradox: Obesity, Equity, and India’s Weight-Loss Drug Market – ORF
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