Amid rising concern over the misuse of GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs, the government has issued a strong caution and stepped up surveillance to check their unauthorised sale and promotion.
The move has been widely welcomed by health experts, calling it timely and necessary in view of the drugs’ increasing accessibility and the threat of growing misuse.
The Union Health Ministry said the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has intensified monitoring across the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure ethical practices and safeguard patient safety. The concern has been triggered by the recent entry of several generic variants into the Indian market, making these drugs more affordable and widely available.
Officials noted that the medicines are now easily accessible through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and even wellness and slimming clinics. Such widespread and on-demand availability, they warned, increases the risk of misuse, particularly when the drugs are consumed without proper medical supervision.
“Regulatory surveillance will continue to be intensified in the coming weeks, and non-compliances will be dealt with strictly, with actions including cancellation of licenses, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws,” a senior government official said.
To curb misuse, the drug regulator, along with State authorities, has launched targeted enforcement measures across the supply chain. The objective is to ensure that these medicines are prescribed and dispensed strictly as per guidelines.
“On March 10, 2026, a comprehensive advisory was already issued to all manufacturers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label usage,” the official said.
Enforcement has been strengthened in recent weeks, with audits and inspections conducted at 49 entities across multiple regions. These included online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, as well as wellness and slimming clinics. The inspections focused on identifying violations such as sale without valid prescriptions, improper dispensing, and misleading promotional practices. Notices have been issued to defaulting entities, and further action is expected.
Officials reiterated that patient safety remains the top priority. “The misuse of weight-loss drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. Citizens have been advised to use such medicines only under the guidance of qualified doctors.”
Authorities have also clarified that these drugs are approved in India under strict conditions. They can be prescribed only by specialists such as endocrinologists and internal medicine practitioners, and in certain cases, cardiologists. Any use outside these parameters would be considered a violation of regulatory norms.
Medical experts have echoed the government’s concerns. When taken without clinical oversight, these drugs can lead to serious side effects and long-term complications.
Nikhil Tandon, Professor and Head of Endocrinology at AIIMS Delhi, cautioned, “One should not consume it (generic semaglutide) recklessly, as these are serious medicines for a serious problem. People should be careful, as there can be side effects.”
He emphasised the importance of lifestyle changes as the first line of treatment. Monika Sharma, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Aakash Healthcare, described the government’s intervention as essential. She warned that improper use of these drugs can lead to complications such as gallbladder stones, dehydration, and protein malnutrition.
“Ensuring that the drug is available only on prescription by a qualified medical professional will ensure that public health is protected,” she said.
Dr. Anand Vishal, Professor in the Department of Medicine at ABVIMS and RML Hospital, Delhi, offered a broader clinical perspective. He noted that while anti-obesity medications can play a role in treatment, their use must remain cautious and evidence-based. Obesity, he said, is a complex and chronic metabolic disease that requires a holistic approach rather than excessive reliance on medication.
He pointed out that these drugs are not meant for cosmetic or short-term weight loss. Their use should be limited to medically indicated cases and always combined with lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise, and behavioural changes.
Dr. Anand also warned that unsupervised use may lead to serious risks, including nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, metabolic disturbances, and potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease. He stressed that clinical evaluation is essential before initiating such therapies, as not every individual requires medication.
Rajesh Khadgawat, Professor in the Department of Endocrinology at AIIMS Delhi, also reinforced the need for strict regulation. “This step was very much needed. With the cost of these drugs coming down, it becomes even more important to regulate their use. These medicines should be prescribed only by specialists—either endocrinologists, internal medicine doctors, or cardiologists."
“The concern is that once such drugs become easily available, their prescription often starts getting misused. General physicians, or even non-specialists, may begin prescribing them indiscriminately. This is not a drug that is completely safe for casual use. So, strict regulation is essential."
“The government has taken a good step, but it must be strictly implemented. Only then can the misuse of this drug be prevented. The cost has now come down to around ₹250 to ₹400 per week, which makes it affordable for many people. Because of this, there is a risk that widespread and unchecked use may begin. Even gyms or non-medical individuals might start recommending or promoting it, which should be strictly controlled."
“Also, pharmaceutical companies manufacturing semaglutide must ensure that the drug is sold only against a valid medical prescription. At present, only three types of specialists should prescribe it—endocrinologists, internal medicine doctors, and cardiologists. No other specialists, including gynaecologists or ophthalmologists, should prescribe this medication,” said Dr. Khadgawat.
As for natural methods, lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity have always been important and should continue to be the first approach.
