Weight loss injections work in real life: 4 in 10 Indians lost 10% of their weight

NEW DELHI: A new generation of weight-loss injectables, which have become popular globally, are now showing strong results among Indian patients as well. A new study from a Delhi hospital has found that more than four in 10 people have lost at least 10% of their weight, a level that doctors say can significantly improve overall health.The study, conducted by doctors at Saket Max Super Specialty Hospital and led by endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal, and published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, followed 150 overweight and obese adults as they received these therapies in routine clinical practice.On average, patients lose about 8% of their body weight over six months, with many losing about 6 to 10 kilograms. Nearly three-quarters lost at least 5% of their body weight, which is considered the bare minimum to achieve health benefits such as better blood sugar control and reduced risk of heart disease. Experts said the findings were based on short-term follow-up of about six months. “This is not a final weight loss. The weight loss may be significantly greater with longer follow-up, especially after one year,” said Dr. Ambrish Mithal.But the results are not the same for everyone.People without diabetes responded much better, losing almost twice as much weight as those with diabetes. Research suggests this may be due to deeper metabolic changes and insulin resistance in people with diabetes.The type of medication is also important. Patients taking tezeparatide, a new dual-action injectable, lost greater and faster weight than those taking semaglutide. Many people reach 10 percent within 9 to 10 months, though doctors warn that the process is gradual, not immediate.The study also provides a reality check. Younger patients and those trying these drugs for the first time see faster results, while patients who have used similar drugs earlier lose weight more slowly.Side effects such as nausea, bloating, and constipation are common, especially in the early stages, but they are manageable and do not force patients to stop treatment.Unlike clinical trials, which are tightly controlled, this study reflects what happens in daily life — people may miss doses, change their diet or develop other health conditions. Even so, the results hold up, leading doctors to believe the drugs work beyond ideal conditions.With obesity and diabetes rising sharply in India, these findings signal a shift in the approach to weight loss – away from diet and exercise alone and toward medical support that can make a significant difference.Experts say the message is simple: These injections are not a magic fix, but with consistent use and lifestyle changes, they can lead to stable, meaningful weight loss over time.