Despite emerging research highlighting differences in outcomes among GLP-1 medications, healthcare professionals in India continue to prescribe these drugs using well-established clinical guidelines rather than relying solely on the latest study findings.
According to leading endocrinologist Dr. Anoop Misra Mithal, GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently prescribed based on standard eligibility criteria that focus on a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and overall health status.
Who is eligible for GLP-1 therapy?
Doctors in India generally recommend GLP-1 medications for:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or above who have not achieved adequate weight loss through lifestyle changes and other available treatment options.
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or above who also have obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Experts say these guidelines remain the primary basis for treatment decisions across the country.
Affordability drives semaglutide use
While recent studies have suggested that certain GLP-1 medicines may offer additional health benefits, cost continues to play a major role in determining which treatment patients receive.
Generic versions of semaglutide are now widely available in India at significantly lower prices than the branded products that were sold before patent expiry. This has made semaglutide the most accessible and commonly prescribed GLP-1 medication in the country.
Medical experts note that its widespread use is largely driven by affordability rather than the findings of recent clinical studies.
Research and market trends align
Although the latest research points to potential survival benefits associated with semaglutide, doctors caution that treatment decisions should continue to be guided by clinical assessment, patient needs and established medical recommendations.
For now, the study’s findings and current market trends appear to complement each other, with semaglutide emerging as both the most affordable and one of the most widely prescribed GLP-1 therapies in India.
Healthcare professionals advise patients not to start or switch GLP-1 medications without consulting their treating physician, as the choice of therapy depends on individual medical history, health conditions and treatment goals.
