A growing social media trend is driving a surge in demand among Bengaluru residents for Ozempic, a prescription drug whose active ingredient, semaglutide, is primarily approved in India for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes — not weight loss.
Doctors across the city report that more patients are proactively asking to be prescribed Ozempic for rapid weight reduction, influenced by online content and celebrity endorsements. In India, the drug’s use for weight loss is considered off-label, as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Ozempic only for diabetes management.
Wegovy, another medication that contains semaglutide, has received regulatory approval specifically for weight loss. However, clinicians say patients often show a preference for Ozempic because it was more commonly prescribed off-label for weight management in the past and is better known among the public.
Dr Nishchitha K, a consultant endocrinologist, said Ozempic is typically prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes when lifestyle modifications and first-line medications fail to adequately control blood sugar levels. “While Ozempic does lead to weight loss by reducing appetite, I consider prescribing it for weight management only when there is a clear health risk related to obesity and when conventional weight-loss methods have not been effective,” she said.
Dr Samith A Shetty, a consultant diabetologist, noted that while many prescriptions are driven by legitimate medical needs, social media has played a growing role in shaping patient expectations. “Increased online exposure and celebrity narratives have led to more patients requesting Ozempic specifically for quick weight loss. This makes responsible and cautious prescribing extremely important,” he said.
Physicians stress that extensive screening is required before initiating treatment. Dr Nishchitha explained that doctors review a patient’s medical history, kidney and liver function, and assess for conditions such as pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, or medullary thyroid cancer, as GLP-1 analogues like semaglutide can pose risks in certain cases. “We also monitor blood sugar levels, HbA1c, electrolytes, and, if needed, conduct abdominal imaging. After treatment begins, patients are closely followed for weight changes, gastrointestinal symptoms, blood glucose levels, and any unusual pain,” she added.
Experts also warn about the risks associated with abruptly discontinuing the drug. Dr Subramanian Kannan, Director of Endocrinology and Diabetology at a private hospital, said stopping Ozempic injections suddenly can lead to medical complications.
“Clinical evidence shows that if the medication is discontinued without sustainable lifestyle changes, appetite often rebounds and weight regain is common,” he said. “The drug suppresses hunger signals, and stopping it can bring back both physiological hunger and psychological cravings.”
Doctors emphasize that while semaglutide-based drugs can be effective tools, they are not a substitute for long-term lifestyle changes and should only be used under strict medical supervision.
