Cutting Down Obesity with Nutraceuticals & Therapies

India’s obesity saga continues and is alarming, thanks to junk foods, lifestyle disorders, etc. With the launch of anti-obesity drugs, experts are cautioning about the side effects while advocating for a change in eating patterns. Experts are also behind various forms of nutraceuticals and nutrition-rich diets that could help many overcome obesity and rebalance the body’s metabolic intelligence.

India’s tryst with obesity is nothing new. A change in eating habits and lifestyle changes are largely to be blamed for the uptick in obese people in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of World Liver Day, mentioned mindful eating and healthier living. According to him, small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Modi urged to build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity.

Union Minister Prof Dr Jitendra Singh, a renowned diabetologist, also raised alarms while underscoring the urgent need for a multifaceted and collective approach to combat the growing obesity crisis in India.

Eating habits have changed among Indians, and with people getting addicted to sugary drinks and junk food, the situation is quite alarming. Obesity is linked with stigma, and many encounter fat shaming. It leads to psychological stress. This apart an obese person is vulnerable to various health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, sleep apnea, etc.

India’s rising obesity crisis, with nearly 24 per cent of women and 22.9 per cent of men classified as obese, fuels an alarming surge in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other metabolic disorders.

Role of alternative medicines/nutraceuticals

Alternative medicine, especially rooted in Ayurveda, and nutraceuticals play a crucial role not just in burning fat but in rebalancing the body’s metabolic intelligence. Unlike synthetic drugs, which often target a single mechanism, nutraceuticals offer a multidimensional approach. Ayurvedic botanicals modulate digestion, reduce fat absorption and improve lipid profiles.

Thanks to advancements in quantum chemistry and AI-driven ingredient mapping certain appetite hormones, insulin insensitivity and gut-brain axis can be modulated.

Nutrify Today’s NutrifyGenie AI not only helps in weight loss but also provides metabolic support, reduces inflammation, and improves satiety. The company believes in creating sustainable, safe, and side-effect-free paths to healthy weight management.

Dealsphere is an AI-powered B2B nutraceutical deal discovery platform. It enables supplement brands to fast-track the commercialisation of clinically validated weight management formulations developed by research institutions and startups worldwide. Through this platform, global markets can access Indian innovation.

Says Amit Srivastava, Founder and Chief Catalyst, Nutrify Today, “We advocate for a complementary approach to nutrition. Science-backed nutraceuticals can support these pharmacological interventions or, in some cases, serve as safer alternatives. We are developing platforms that enable global nutraceutical stakeholders to access clinical-grade, regulatory-compliant solutions for weight management. The future lies in integrative care—where drugs, diet, and validated supplements work in synergy, not in silos.”

What role can nutrition play?

A holistic approach can address the root causes of obesity. Instead of relying on quick fixes, individuals should prioritise nutrient-dense food that improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and promotes lasting weight loss. Along with a healthy diet, incorporating regular physical activity and making behavioural changes, such as practising mindful eating and managing emotional eating, is essential for long-term health. Dietary interventions and lifestyle modifications offer a more sustainable, effective, and affordable solution, free from the negative side effects that medications often bring.

Dr Vanita Rahman, an internal medicine physician, certified nutritionist and fitness expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) emphasises nutrition and lifestyle in the prevention and management of disease. She has found that a whole-food, plant-based diet is not only effective for weight loss but also tackles key underlying factors like insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, both major contributors to obesity.

Dr Rahman mentions, “A well-balanced, plant-based diet has been scientifically proven to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and help with long-term weight loss. A clinical trial study found that participants following a low-fat plant-based diet lost an average of 12 kg over six months and kept it off at 12 months.”

Managing gut health

Gut health brand The Good Bug has launched a clinically validated, natural GLP-1 weight loss solution—The Advanced Metabolic System. Unlike synthetic interventions, this probiotic and prebiotic-based formula activates the body’s natural GLP-1 production to regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and enhance metabolism, without side effects or dependency.

Claimed as an alternative to weight loss drugs, the solution, backed by human trials, claims a 12.01 per cent reduction in weight, a 9.64 per cent decrease in waist circumference and a 12.14 per cent reduction in BMI in 90 days.

Keshav Biyani, Co-founder, The Good Bug, stated, “We have identified a disbalance in gut biome composition to be the fundamental root cause behind obesity and put together years of R&D to build a solution that could eventually help increase GLP-1 and GIP naturally to deliver weight loss outcomes. This is a big scientific breakthrough for us, which has been discovered, developed and made in India, and will redefine weight management globally.”

Prabhu Karthikeyan, Co-founder, The Good Bug, stated, “We recognise microbiome science’s impact not only on digestive health but also on metabolic health, women’s health, and cognitive well-being. As research into the microbiome deepens, it unfolds a new dimension of healthcare, and we remain committed to leveraging its potential. We strive to continuously build consumer health solutions through advanced probiotic innovation, empowering individuals to take control of their health through science-driven products.”

Gut health plays a major role in weight inconsistency, as the gut microbiome significantly influences metabolism, appetite regulation, and nutrient absorption. Alternative treatments and lifestyle changes present a sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially compared to expensive medications.

As Dr Balaji Jaganmohan, Consultant Diabetologist, Apollo Sugar, Bengaluru, elaborates, “Research-backed approach that integrates natural solutions, education, and long-term health strategies is essential for managing obesity. Since GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone, its levels can be enhanced through a balanced diet rich in high-fibre foods, lean proteins, regular physical activity and science-backed natural alternative treatments. Bridging the gap between conventional medicine and natural interventions through education, research, and awareness will empower individuals to make informed, sustainable health choices.”

Whether someone chooses to take a drug like Mounjaro or not, nutrition cannot be optional. The drug will only show lasting benefits when paired with foundational shifts in how one eats, moves, and lives.

Says Khushboo Jain Tibrewala – Nutritionist and Diabetes & Inflammation expert at The Health Pantry, “Weight loss is never just about numbers on the scale. It is about improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, preserving muscle, supporting hormone balance, and protecting organs like the liver and thyroid. This is where nutrition plays an irreplaceable role. Nutrition helps in maintaining lean mass while losing fat, managing hunger signals naturally, preventing the nutrient deficiencies that often accompany rapid weight loss, supporting the gut microbiome, which is crucial for sustainable metabolic health.”

Tibrewala also advocates for a plate that’s built around vegetables, good quality proteins, and slow-digesting carbohydrates; eating in rhythm with the body’s natural cycles (e.g., finishing dinner before sunset); a strong focus on how one eats—chewing slowly, eating mindfully, staying hydrated and regular reviews of energy intake to make sure it supports both fat loss and vitality.

Launch of anti-obesity drugs

Many MNC pharma companies are trying to grab the obesity market in India and are launching drugs to help people shed extra kilo. The recent launch of Mounjaro by Eli Lilly is being claimed to be a game changer. Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk plans to launch its anti-diabetes and weight loss drug Wegovy in India.

Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India, claims, “Our mission to make life better for people living with obesity and diabetes in India is reflected in our efforts to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines. The launch of Mounjaro demonstrates our ongoing support of this mission and our shared vision of a healthier nation.”

According to Martin Holst Lange, Executive VP for Development, Novo Nordisk, the company is dedicated to providing improved treatment options for people living with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases. The addition of a candidate targeting glucagon, as well as GLP-1 and GIP, will add important optionality to our clinical pipeline, as we look to develop a broad portfolio of differentiated treatment options that cater to the diverse needs of people living with these highly prevalent diseases.

A word of caution

Advocating for dietary changes, regular exercise, behavioural interventions and alternative medicines Prof (Dr) Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, VP (Projects and Academic Initiatives), Dept of Pharmacology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur mentions that while weight loss drugs like Mounjaro may provide a solution for individuals struggling with obesity, they should not be seen as a magic bullet.

He says, “With the increasing demand for quick-fix weight loss solutions, there is a risk that people without medical indications may start using the drug indiscriminately. This could lead to serious health repercussions, especially if taken without professional supervision. Health initiatives aimed at promoting nutrition education, affordable healthcare, and community-based wellness programmes must be prioritised.

“Leena Menghaney, Lawyer/Consultant, Public Health, Pharmaceuticals & Access opines, “Obesity is not just a perception but a clinical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines state that obesity is commonly measured using a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obesity, with increasing health risks as BMI rises. Managing obesity requires a comprehensive approach that integrates pharmacotherapy, nutritional therapy, physical activity, and psychological support.”

The future

The anti-obesity drug market seems to have a smooth road ahead, with drugs being made available in the market and many more in the pipeline to be launched soon. However, these drugs have side effects that can’t be ignored. Also, the affordability of the weight loss drugs remains a big question. Eli Lilly’s drug Mounjaro is priced at Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial. This leads to a monthly cost between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500, depending on the prescribed dosage.

A lot of emphasis is being given to alternative medicines, keeping a special focus on dietary and lifestyle changes. Many Nutra brands are launching products to overcome obesity, but there are side effects to be considered as well. To prevent undesirable side effects, nutraceuticals and various other forms of alternative medicines should only be consumed under the supervision of a qualified dietician, nutritionist, or physician. Changes to lifestyle, including eating healthful foods and focusing on exercise, meditation and stress reduction, could help prevent obesity instances in the next generation.

Sanjiv Das

sanjiv.das@mmactiv.com