One year of weight-loss drugs in India: What happened to the ‘Mounjaro brides’?

In Lajpat Nagar, South Delhi, a small clinic called Weight Loss Clinic offers a three-month Mounjaro program at a price of Rs 30,000. This program includes consultations with a doctor, a dietitian, and injections, which patients take home once they pay. Many clients come to the clinic before their wedding with the goal of losing weight.

According to a senior staff member, the clinic has helped around a hundred brides achieve their desired weight in the past year. However, endocrinologists warn against using these drugs for cosmetic, short-term weight loss. Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman of endocrinology at Max Hospital, emphasizes that these drugs are meant for long-term use and requires a maintenance dose to maintain weight loss.

Some clinics, particularly those targeting brides, appear to exploit vulnerable individuals by not conducting necessary tests or providing proper monitoring. Akanksha Sadekar Chauhan, a 23-year-old from Ludhiana, sought the help of a local clinic to lose weight for her wedding. She received Mounjaro injections without any medical assessments or follow-up, leading to a 20 kg weight loss in 40 days.

The clinic stopped monitoring her progress after she reached her desired weight, leaving her unaware of potential risks and long-term effects.