In India, people are spending lakhs every year on a weight-loss and diabetes drug called Mounjaro, even though it carries serious health risks and comes with a heavy price tag.
Launched just four months ago, Mounjaro has already reached Rs 100 crore in sales. The cost ranges from about Rs 14,000 per month for a 2 mg weekly dose to around Rs 17,500 per month for a 5 mg dose.
To achieve the claimed average weight loss of 15 kg over 72 weeks, patients could end up spending Rs 75,000 or more annually. The drug is considered one of the best modern treatments for type 3 diabetes and obesity and also helps control blood sugar levels effectively.
However, these benefits come with serious risks such as pancreatitis, thyroid cancer warnings, gallbladder issues, and other digestive problems. Many fear these side effects could have severe long-term impacts that are often overlooked in the pursuit of quick results.
The high cost makes Mounjaro accessible mainly to the upper-class segment in India, who prefer to buy their way out of health problems rather than adopt proper diet and exercise habits. This trend signals a worrying shift where health is treated more as a business than a necessity.
On social media, people point out that those who can afford Mounjaro also have the means to maintain a healthy lifestyle but still choose expensive medication. Experts stress that such drugs should only be used as a last resort after other health measures have failed.
Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and lifestyle changes remain safer and more affordable, offering lasting benefits without harming other organs. Some users argue that India’s obesity levels are not as alarming as in countries like America, but prevention should still be prioritised.
Pharma companies are urged to price the drug in a way that makes it accessible to those with type 2 diabetes who genuinely need it. While health issues will always exist, it is up to society to ensure medicines reach those in need while others focus on healthy, conscious living.
