Obesity is one of the growing serious health conditions globally, which has been considered to be the cause of many types of chronic diseases. Data shows that India is one of the top three obese countries worldwide. More than 70 percent of the population here may be overweight or obese.
Not only this, the rate of obesity among Indian women has increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022 and for men from 0.5% to 5.4% in 2022. Health experts say the increasing obesity situation can have a serious impact on the health sector.
However, now it is going to be easier to reduce obesity. India has approved the Mounjero injection, and studies have found this drug to be effective in weight loss. Although this injection was made to treat type-2 diabetes, however, studies have found that it can also be effective in weight loss.
Medicine to reduce obesity
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a guideline recommending that people suffering from overweight or obesity can be given Tirzepatide injection on medical advice, it is sold in the UK under the name Mounjero. Clinical trials have shown that Tirzepatide helped users lose up to 22.5% of body weight in 72 weeks.
NICE had said in its guidelines that doctors will be able to give this medicine to those people in England who have a body mass index of at least 35 and at least one weight-related comorbidity problem such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea.
Medicine for type-2 diabetes will reduce obesity
Clinical trials show that Tirzepatide can prove to be more effective when combined with diet and exercise.
It is worth noting here that Mounjaro is primarily a drug to treat type-2 diabetes. It contains a compound called Tirzepetide, which activates the part of the brain that helps control appetite. Mounjaro is also known for its effects on stimulating insulin secretion. It improves the production of the glucagon hormone, which can help control sugar levels.
For example, with the help of this one drug/injection, it can be easy to control both blood sugar and weight.
Waiting for approval in India
According to media reports, people in India will soon be able to take advantage of this drug manufactured by Eli Lilly Company. However, it has yet to get approval from the Drug Controller General of India. Sir Stephen O'Rahilly, Professor of Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine at Cambridge University, said that given the cases of dangerous weight gain, drugs like Tirzepetide can prove to be very effective. It has been approved in many countries.
Health experts say that these injections should be taken only when doctors have advised it. It can also have side effects, so it is important to be cautious.
Doctors should also be cautious
The panel also advised doctors to select patients very carefully. The expert said people with a history of pancreatic diseases, endocrine system disorders, nausea, and vomiting should not be given this medicine. Patients should also be asked to follow diet and exercise first. The medicine should be prescribed only when the patient is not getting relief with the help of other measures.
(PC: ISTOCK)
