Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 25: With obesity emerging as one of India's fastest-growing public health challenges, medical experts are highlighting the role of advanced therapies targeting appetite and metabolism to combat the rising burden of obesity-related diseases.
India's healthcare system has long grappled with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and cancer. However, experts warn that the rapid rise in obesity is now intensifying these challenges and contributing significantly to metabolic health complications.
According to estimates, more than 180 million Indian adults were living with overweight or obesity in 2021, a figure projected to rise to nearly 450 million by 2050. The trend is closely linked to increasing cases of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Dr Mayur Agrawal of Hormone India Clinic, Bhopal, said obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease influenced by complex biological mechanisms rather than merely a lifestyle issue.
At the centre of recent advances in obesity treatment is Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring hormone released by the digestive system after food intake. The hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, satiety and energy balance by sending signals from the gut to the brain.
"GLP-1 acts as a biological messenger between the gut and the brain, helping the body recognise when it has eaten enough," Dr Agrawal explained.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including medications such as semaglutide, have gained attention for their ability to reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness and help patients manage persistent food cravings or "food noise".
Experts say these therapies work by influencing appetite-control centres in the brain while also slowing gastric emptying, allowing individuals to feel satisfied for longer periods and reducing overall calorie intake.
Beyond weight management, GLP-1-based treatments offer several metabolic benefits. Studies have shown they improve blood sugar control by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon production, making them particularly useful for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical trials have also demonstrated sustained weight loss of approximately 10 to 15 per cent among individuals with overweight and obesity, depending on treatment duration and patient characteristics.
In addition, researchers have observed improvements in cardiovascular health, including reductions in the risk of major adverse cardiac events, lower blood pressure and better cholesterol profiles. Benefits related to liver health and kidney protection have also been reported.
Despite the promise of these therapies, experts stress that medication alone is not sufficient for long-term success.
"Long-term weight management requires a combination of GLP-1 therapy, a balanced calorie-controlled diet, regular physical activity and behavioural support," Dr Agrawal said.
He noted that obesity is a chronic and relapsing condition, making sustained lifestyle modifications essential to prevent weight regain and maintain metabolic health.
As obesity rates continue to climb across India and globally, healthcare professionals believe evidence-based therapies combined with comprehensive lifestyle interventions will play a critical role in addressing the growing epidemic and improving long-term health outcomes.