Weight loss and anti obesity drugs such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Ozempic have gained massive popularity both in India and globally. The patents for these GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs from the semaglutide and tirzepatide groups, manufactured by multinational companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, are set to expire this March. With the end of their exclusive branding rights, several Indian pharmaceutical companies are preparing to enter the market with their own versions of these drugs, leading to the launch of multiple new brands.
Amid this development, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued strict instructions stating that these medicines must be sold only with a doctor’s prescription. The regulatory body has warned companies against promoting weight loss drugs through advertisements or promotional campaigns.
The central drug regulator has directed pharmaceutical companies to avoid both direct and indirect promotion of such medicines. In guidelines issued on Tuesday, CDSCO stated that it had observed several pharmaceutical companies engaging in promotional activities related to GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs used for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. In some cases, companies used advertisements while in others they promoted the drugs through so-called disease awareness programmes.
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According to CDSCO, such practices are not permitted. The authority has clarified that these medicines should be used only under the supervision of registered modern medicine doctors. Advertising prescription-based drugs to the general public is legally prohibited. If such promotion continues, it will be treated as a punishable offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and related provisions.
Members of the medical community have welcomed the directive. The guidelines note that certain advertisements exaggerate the effectiveness of these medicines and promise rapid or guaranteed weight loss. At the same time, they often ignore the importance of lifestyle changes such as proper diet, regular exercise and behavioural adjustments.
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Public health expert Anirban Dolui said, “Obesity is now a major challenge in public health. But what metabolic problems cause obesity and what should be done to manage it is not possible for an ordinary patient to understand. That decision should be made by the doctor.”
Health authorities have emphasised that obesity is not a simple condition but a chronic metabolic disease. Its treatment requires balanced dietary habits, regular physical activity and behavioural changes. Therefore, medication alone should not be presented as the only solution.
CDSCO has also pointed out that in many cases, prescription medicines are being promoted indirectly under the banner of awareness or health campaigns. The regulator has warned that such activities will be treated as misleading marketing practices. The government has also informed the Advertising Standards Council of India about these guidelines.
