Doctors raise alarm over misuse of GLP 1 weight loss drugs, seek curbs on unqualified prescribing

New Delhi: Since several generic variants of GLP-1- based weight loss drugs have entered the Indian Market and the government has tightened surveillance against such drugs, doctors and medical associations have raised concerns about their growing misuse and unsafe prescription practices of unqualified practitioners.

Among them is the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the country's largest organisation of modern medicine practitioners, which has now decided to approach the government and drug regulators, seeking stricter rules on who can prescribe these medicines.

Along with this, the association is also planning to recommend that GLP-1 drugs be prescribed only by qualified specialists such as endocrinologists, diabetologists, or MD general medicine doctors and not by any MBBS, physiotherapists, or non-modern medicine practitioners.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that the Drugs Controller of India has intensified its regulatory surveillance against the drug's unauthorised sale and promotion. With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks.

Also read- DCGI Orders Audits, Steps Up Action on GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Misuse and Marketing

Taking cognizance of the situation, India’s Drugs Controller, in collaboration with State Regulators, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorised sales and use.

Commenting on the matter, IMA National President Dr Anilkumar J Nayak told Medical Dialogues, "Our demand is that the drugs must be prescribed only by qualified physicians. These drugs were originally developed for diabetic patients, but nowadays, unqualified people such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, and even gym trainers are giving these medicines to individuals who simply want to lose weight."

He further said, "Only physicians, endocrinologists, cardiologists, or other qualified specialists should prescribe them, because there can be serious complications if these drugs are taken without proper medical supervision. Such drugs should not be treated like over-the-counter medicines. Earlier, they were under patent, but now many Indian companies are manufacturing them. Therefore, they mustn't be given without a proper prescription from an qualified doctor."

Meanwhile, Dr Rohan Krishnan, an orthopaedic surgeon and Chief Patron of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), also raised concerns over the widespread misuse of semaglutide, a medication primarily approved for treating type 2 diabetes, which is now being used as a quick-fix for weight loss.

He said, "I want to inform the people of our country that these drugs should not be used unless a senior doctor, specialised in the concerned field, advises you to take them. I have seen many cases in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai where several wellness clinics and cosmetology clinics, which have no proper connection with qualified doctors, are also administering these drugs to patients. These drugs are being widely distributed and even available on online portals. People can easily get prescriptions through calls made via these platforms. However, these drugs can be dangerous and have multiple side effects. A lot of research on them is still pending, especially in the Indian population, where very limited studies have been conducted."

"Weight loss is only a side effect of these drugs, and we cannot make that side effect the main reason for using them. That would be a big mistake. We need to carefully consider how to control their use. I would also like to caution doctors who are prescribing these drugs to avoid such practices. These medicines should not be prescribed unless there is a proper medical need. At the same time, patients who are taking these drugs should be aware of the possible complications," he added.

Also read- Semaglutide Patent Expiry Sparks Generic Rush in India, Prices Set to Drop Sharply