Sameera, a 38-year-old lawyer, has faced numerous weight-related battles, including weight struggles influenced by PCOS, mental health issues, and social pressures tied to her delayed marriage. Despite utilising Metformin, a modestly helpful and affordable option for weight management, the arrival of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India kindled her hopes for substantial weight loss. The lingering question for her, however, is whether she can truly afford this new treatment and if it will effectively tackle her unique health challenges.
Sameera’s predicament is not isolated. As an endocrinologist, I’ve witnessed many patients yearning for a ‘magic pill’ to alleviate obesity. Yet, the reality is that medication alone seldom yields substantial results. Take Patient J as a case study; this 40-year-old corporate worker weighed 120 kg and had comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. Initially instructed to implement lifestyle changes, his weight loss remained minuscule, leading to frustration in his journey for effective management.
With the emergence of newer treatments, I introduced Semaglutide (RYBELSUS®), an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. Although it offered some initial weight reduction, the ultimate results fell short of expectations. Then came Mounjaro, a promising dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that improved both Type 2 diabetes management and weight loss outcomes. After acquiring Mounjaro from abroad, Patient J started on a low dose and saw promising results, but eventually, his weight plateaued. A review of his eating habits revealed he was consuming excess calories and lacking physical activity – a stark reminder that medication cannot replace disciplined lifestyle choices.
To effectively tackle obesity and diabetes in India, a comprehensive and sustainable strategy is paramount. While Mounjaro presents exciting opportunities, we must not overlook the importance of affordable medications like Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin therapies. These methods are grounded in established efficacy and wider accessibility, serving as the cornerstone of treatment for those battling obesity in the context of diabetes.
Medications can indeed facilitate weight loss; however, they cannot supplant the essential needs of dietary management and vigorous physical activity. It’s crucial for governmental initiatives to focus on making fundamental diabetes and obesity medications affordable, alongside expanding insurance coverage for obesity management. Although Mounjaro and similar medications spark hope, it is vital to maintain realistic expectations as there is, at present, no miraculous remedy for obesity.
Sameera, 38, faces weight struggles linked to PCOS and mental health, finding hope in Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Many patients, like Patient J, seek magic solutions, but medication alone often falls short. Sustainable diabetes and obesity management requires lifestyle changes alongside affordable medications to be effective. Government action is essential to broaden access to obesity treatments and ground expectations around available therapies.
In addressing the intertwined challenges of obesity and diabetes in India, a multifaceted approach is essential. While new drugs like Mounjaro offer hope, they cannot replace the necessity for lifestyle changes, dietary control, and physical activity. Thus, affordable, effective medications and supportive health policies are paramount to achieving sustained progress against these ailments.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
