Scroll through social media for five minutes and you will see it. Dramatic before-and-after photos. Red carpet reveals. Rumors about which celebrity “secretly” used a weight loss injection. And suddenly, what used to be a prescription medication for diabetes is being talked about like it’s a beauty hack.The buzz around weight loss drugs has exploded. For some people, these medications are medically necessary and life-changing. They help manage blood sugar. They reduce serious health risks. Under a doctor’s care, they can support weight loss in people struggling with obesity-related conditions. That part is real.But what’s also real is the way these drugs are now being treated like a shortcut. A trend. When a public figure loses weight quickly, people notice. They speculate. They copy. And that’s where things get messy.So people walk into clinics asking for the same drug, even if they don’t medically qualify. Some order it online. Some take it without understanding how it works. And some are shocked when nausea, fatigue, digestive issues, or mood changes hit hard.So before jumping on the trend, it’s worth asking harder questions. Do you actually need medical treatment? Or are you reacting to pressure, comparison, and unrealistic standards?If weight loss drugs are being considered, they should be discussed honestly with a qualified doctor. Not a friend. Not a fitness influencer. Not a comment section.TOI Health spoke to Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, HOD, Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Diseases, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, Pune on weight loss drugs, who can actually take them and who should avoid them.“Aishwarya Mohanraj’s frank discussion about her use of Mounjaro has certainly helped to initiate important discussions about weight loss through medical means. It is, however, important to recognize that drugs such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are not cosmetic weight loss aids, but rather prescription medications for specific medical purposes,” Dr. Sanjay Agarwal told TOI Health.
Who should take these medications?
“Both tirzepatide and semaglutide fall under a category of medications that act on the action of the gut hormones that are involved in the regulation of appetite, insulin secretion, and glucose,” says Dr. Sanjay and adds that Wegovy is indicated for the chronic weight management in patients with a BMI of 30 or higher or in patients with a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, or obstructive sleep apnea. Mounjaro, which was originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is also being used for obesity in medically supervised patients.“These medications are best suited for people dealing with obesity or overweight issues where, despite trying diet, exercise, and behavioural modifications, there has been no long-term success. These medications are not to be used for people looking to lose weight for cosmetic purposes,” he says.
Warning
“It is essential to note that these medications should be prescribed after careful consideration,” says the doctor and warns that patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal disorders may not be ideal candidates. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances are common in the early stages, he adds. “Weight loss through medical means is not a trend but a treatment. The prescription of these medications should always be individualized and carefully considered,” he urges.Medical experts consultedThis article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, HOD, Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Diseases, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, PuneInputs were used to explain who are the ideal candidates to try weight loss drugs and who should avoid taking them at any cost.
