Majority of indian adults seek non-drug weight loss options amid safety concerns over GLP-1 medications
Jul 9, 2025


Source: Express Pharma
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A new survey reveals that 87% of Indian adults are interested in exploring non-drug-supported weight loss methods due to growing safety concerns over GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). This reflects a widespread hesitation regarding the long-term safety of these popular weight-loss drugs.
Key highlights
Rising public interest in non-drug weight loss methods
87% of Indian adults prefer non-drug-supported weight loss methods.
A healthful, plant-based diet is seen as a sustainable option for long-term weight control.
Awareness and misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs
82% of respondents are aware of GLP-1 drugs, but only 18% understand how they work.
Misconceptions include beliefs that these drugs burn fat or speed up metabolism.
Safety concerns and side effects
75% of respondents have heard about side effects during use.
69% are concerned about risks after discontinuation.
60% feel drug-based weight-loss solutions receive excessive media coverage.
Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, and potential long-term risks like gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and eye disease.
The shift towards plant-based weight loss approaches
Experts suggest plant-based diets, rich in fiber and low in fat, as safer, more sustainable weight loss methods.
Plant-based diets can help reduce the risk of obesity, especially in adults genetically predisposed to the condition.
Impact of obesity in Indian households
Overweight and obesity are often household issues, affecting families rather than isolated individuals.
Interventions focusing on family-wide dietary changes are recommended.
Survey findings and expert comments
The survey, conducted with over 1,000 Indian adults, shows a preference for evidence-based, safe, and sustainable weight loss strategies.
Dr. Vanita Rahman of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advocates for plant-based diets as a viable alternative to medication.
Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition researcher, highlights the potential of plant-based diets in reducing obesity risk and helping people achieve healthier BMIs.
With increasing concerns over the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, there is a growing demand for non-drug alternatives. Plant-based diets, combined with lifestyle changes, are seen as a promising, long-term solution for weight loss in India.
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Majority of indian adults seek non-drug weight loss options amid safety concerns over GLP-1 medications
Jul 9, 2025


Source: Express Pharma
A new survey reveals that 87% of Indian adults are interested in exploring non-drug-supported weight loss methods due to growing safety concerns over GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). This reflects a widespread hesitation regarding the long-term safety of these popular weight-loss drugs.
Key highlights
Rising public interest in non-drug weight loss methods
87% of Indian adults prefer non-drug-supported weight loss methods.
A healthful, plant-based diet is seen as a sustainable option for long-term weight control.
Awareness and misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs
82% of respondents are aware of GLP-1 drugs, but only 18% understand how they work.
Misconceptions include beliefs that these drugs burn fat or speed up metabolism.
Safety concerns and side effects
75% of respondents have heard about side effects during use.
69% are concerned about risks after discontinuation.
60% feel drug-based weight-loss solutions receive excessive media coverage.
Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, and potential long-term risks like gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and eye disease.
The shift towards plant-based weight loss approaches
Experts suggest plant-based diets, rich in fiber and low in fat, as safer, more sustainable weight loss methods.
Plant-based diets can help reduce the risk of obesity, especially in adults genetically predisposed to the condition.
Impact of obesity in Indian households
Overweight and obesity are often household issues, affecting families rather than isolated individuals.
Interventions focusing on family-wide dietary changes are recommended.
Survey findings and expert comments
The survey, conducted with over 1,000 Indian adults, shows a preference for evidence-based, safe, and sustainable weight loss strategies.
Dr. Vanita Rahman of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine advocates for plant-based diets as a viable alternative to medication.
Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition researcher, highlights the potential of plant-based diets in reducing obesity risk and helping people achieve healthier BMIs.
With increasing concerns over the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, there is a growing demand for non-drug alternatives. Plant-based diets, combined with lifestyle changes, are seen as a promising, long-term solution for weight loss in India.
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Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved