Why Are Indians Switching from Weight-Loss Pills to Injectable Shots?
About the Shift in Weight-Loss Treatments
The Indian weight-loss therapy landscape is undergoing a major transformation as patients increasingly shift from oral drugs to injectable alternatives. According to PharmaTrac data, sales of Rybelsus (Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide tablet) dropped from 1.46 lakh units in November 2024 to 97,000 units by October 2025.
This decline coincides with the surge in popularity of injectable GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, both of which have demonstrated superior efficacy in weight management and convenience in dosing.
The transition reflects India’s growing acceptance of modern, high-efficacy treatments as awareness about obesity management deepens. While oral medications offered an easy start, injectables now dominate due to stronger results and simplified usage schedules.
Market Snapshot
| Drug | Type | Sales Volume / Revenue | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rybelsus | Oral (Tablet) | Fell from 1.46 lakh to 97,000 strips | 📉 Declining |
| Mounjaro | Injectable (Weekly) | ₹450+ crore in 7 months | 📈 Rising |
| GLP-1 Segment | Injectables (GLP-1 Agonists) | ₹400 crore cumulative (12 months) | 📈 Expanding |
While Rybelsus had a blockbuster debut after its 2022 India launch, its growth has plateaued since GLP-1 injectables entered the market. The ease of once-a-week dosage and stronger clinical outcomes are major factors driving patient preference.
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What’s Driving the Transition?
- Ease of once-weekly injectable use compared to daily tablets.
- Higher weight-loss efficacy and faster visible results.
- Improved compliance among patients seeking convenience.
- Broader adoption of GLP-1 therapy in obesity and diabetes management.
Experts note that Rybelsus’ strict daily regimen may have discouraged new users, while the injectable route’s superior outcomes and simplicity gained traction among both patients and doctors.
Strengths & Weaknesses
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The pharmaceutical shift also reflects India’s rising health-conscious middle class and increasing focus on medically supervised fitness solutions.
Opportunities & Threats
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Valuation & Investment View
- Short-term: Pharma stocks in GLP-1 segment to remain bullish due to strong prescription growth.
- Medium-term: Rising healthcare spending and demand for lifestyle treatments support steady growth.
- Long-term: India’s obesity treatment market could exceed ₹5,000 crore as awareness and acceptance increase.
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Investor Takeaway
Indian-Share-Tips.com Nifty Expert Gulshan Khera, CFP®, notes that India’s weight-loss segment has entered a new growth phase driven by injectables’ higher efficacy and convenience. Pharma companies adapting early to this trend stand to benefit the most. Explore more healthcare market insights at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.
Related Queries on Weight-Loss Pharma Market
- Why Are Injectable GLP-1 Drugs Gaining Over Oral Pills?
- What Is the Future of Weight-Loss Medication in India?
- Which Pharma Companies Benefit Most from the Shift?
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions.
