Crackdown on Weight-Loss Drug Misuse, Centre Issues Legal Warning

The Centre has intensified its crackdown on the misuse and unauthorised sale of GLP-1 drugs, widely used for weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes, amid rising concerns over their easy availability online, in pharmacies, and at wellness clinics.

The Drug Controller General of India, along with State Drug Controllers, inspected 49 entities, including online pharmacies and clinics, issuing notices for violations. Authorities warned that non-compliance could lead to licence cancellation, fines, and legal action, stressing that such drugs cannot be sold over the counter, reports NDTV.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide are effective but carry risks if misused. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, pancreatitis, kidney injury, bowel obstruction, and potential thyroid cancer. The government has also barred misleading advertisements promoting non-prescription use. Experts emphasise that while these drugs aid obesity and diabetes management, they must be used strictly under specialist supervision, alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to ensure safety and effectiveness.