Impact of Weight-Loss Medications on Bariatric Surgery in India

With the introduction of blockbuster weight-loss medications like Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Wegovy by Novo Nordisk, there is an anticipated decline in the number of people opting for bariatric surgery for obesity management in India.

Trends and Statistics

• India has around 80 million obese individuals, with 70% of the urban population classified as obese or overweight.
• The rise of obesity has resulted in increased bariatric surgeries, tripling over 10 years to approximately 75,000 by 2024.
• Projected numbers suggest procedures could reach 86,000 by 2025 and over 170,000 by 2030.

Comparative Analysis: Medication vs. Surgery

• Medications offer an alternative for those in the BMI range of 30-35 or 25-30 who might avoid surgery.
• While GLP1 drugs can lead to a 15-20% weight reduction, surgery achieves 70-80% weight loss.
• Doctors highlight surgery as the most effective for those morbidly obese, with potential for significant weight loss in 1-1.5 years.

Cost Considerations

• Bariatric surgery costs range from ₹2-5 lakh depending on the city.
• Weight-loss medications are costly, with a six-month Mounjaro treatment costing around ₹1 lakh.
• In the long-term, surgery may be more economical as medication costs accumulate if treatment is prolonged.

Market Impact and Observations

• A US study noted a 26% decline in bariatric surgery demand due to increased interest in weight-loss drugs.
• Experts believe that medications will not replace surgery but will offer additional options for obesity management.

Overall, the introduction of new weight-loss drugs presents both opportunities and challenges in the landscape of obesity treatment, with potential shifts in preference from surgical to medicinal interventions.