India’s anti-obesity drug market sees 333% growth in 5 years

India’s market for anti-obesity drugs is growing fast as more people deal with lifestyle-related health issues like diabetes and heart disease. With rising awareness, better affordability, and new medicines like Rybelsus and Mounjaro, more Indians are turning to medical treatments to manage weight.

India’s anti-obesity drug market has expanded more than fourfold in the past five years, driven by rising lifestyle diseases, increasing affordability, and a growing willingness among consumers to invest in weight-loss treatments, according to data from PharmaTrac. The market has grown from ₹133 crore in March 2021 to ₹576 crore by March 2025.

The primary driver of this surge is the semaglutide pill Rybelsus, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Rybelsus alone accounts for ₹397 crore, or 69% of the market, up significantly from ₹11 crore in March 2022. The recent launch of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a once-weekly injectable by Eli Lilly, has further boosted the market, offering an affordable and effective option for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Priced at ₹3,500 per injection, Mounjaro is gaining popularity for its accessibility and is expected to accelerate market growth.

Novo Nordisk is also preparing to launch its semaglutide injection Wegovy in India, which, in addition to supporting weight loss, has shown cardiovascular benefits in Indian patients. According to Sheetal Sapale, VP (Commercial) at PharmaTrac, Rybelsus has been the key growth driver so far, and Mounjaro is expected to supplement this growth.

These drugs work by regulating processes that prolong the feeling of fullness. However, long-term impact requires medication to be paired with lifestyle changes. Other notable drugs in the segment include orlistat and dulaglutide (each with a market value of ₹72 crore) and liraglutide (₹34 crore).

With adult obesity affecting nearly 100 million people in India and contributing to diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues, the anti-obesity drug market is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in Indian healthcare.