Dr. Khizer Junaidy
Consultant Physician & Diabetologist
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March 5, 2025
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in India: A Breakthrough in Diabetes & Obesity Treatment
Tirzepatide, the dual GIP-GLP-1 receptor agonist, is set to launch in India under the brand name Mounjaro by Eli Lilly next month. With its once-weekly dosing, superior glycemic control, and significant weight loss effects, it is a game-changer in diabetes and obesity treatment.
But how does Tirzepatide compare to Semaglutide (Ozempic)? Is it affordable for Indian patients? Let’s dive into its benefits, cost, side effects, and impact on diabetes & obesity management in India.
What is Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?
Tirzepatide is the first and only dual incretin agonist, acting on:
✅ GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptor – Enhances insulin secretion, improves fat metabolism
✅ GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) receptor – Suppresses appetite, delays gastric emptying, reduces blood sugar
Together, this “twincretin” effect leads to better glucose control and faster weight loss compared to traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Liraglutide (Victoza).
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide (Ozempic): Which is Better?
The SURPASS-2 trial, a 40-week head-to-head study, compared Tirzepatide (5mg, 10mg, 15mg) vs Semaglutide (1mg) in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients.
✅ Better HbA1c Reduction (Blood Sugar Control)
➡️ Tirzepatide showed superior glycemic control at all doses compared to Semaglutide.
✅ More Weight Loss Than Semaglutide
➡️ Tirzepatide nearly doubles the weight loss compared to Semaglutide and is being called a non-surgical alternative to bariatric surgery.
✅ Better HbA1c Reduction (Blood Sugar Control)
|
Drug
|
HbA1c Reduction
|
|---|---|
|
Tirzepatide 5mg
|
–2.01%
|
|
Tirzepatide 10mg
|
–2.24%
|
|
Tirzepatide 15mg
|
–2.30%
|
|
Semaglutide 1mg
|
–1.86%
|
✅ More Weight Loss Than Semaglutide
|
Drug
|
HbA1c Reduction
|
|---|---|
|
Tirzepatide 5mg
|
–7.6 kg
|
|
Tirzepatide 10mg
|
–9.3 kg
|
|
Tirzepatide 15mg
|
–11.2 kg
|
|
Semaglutide 1mg
|
–5.7 kg
|
Tirzepatide in India: Who Will Benefit?
India is the diabetes capital of the world, with over 77 million diabetics and rising obesity rates. Tirzepatide can be a revolutionary treatment for:
✔️ Diabetes + Obesity (Diabesity) patients struggling with weight management
✔️ Overweight diabetic patients who need both glucose control & weight loss
✔️ Patients with poor adherence to daily injections or multiple medications
✔️ Those at risk of cardiovascular complications from diabetes & obesity
Tirzepatide Price in India: Is It Affordable?
The biggest challenge for Mounjaro in India will be its cost.
💰 Expected monthly cost: ₹30,000
💡 Is it worth the price?
✔️ Yes, for patients with Diabesity, as it offers blood sugar control + weight loss + heart benefits in one drug.
❌ No, for those who may find Semaglutide or Metformin a more cost-effective alternative.
👉 Hoping for insurance coverage & patient assistance programs to improve accessibility!
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Is It Safe?
Like all GLP-1 receptor agonists, Tirzepatide has some common side effects, mostly mild to moderate:
🚨 Gastrointestinal Issues – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (similar to Semaglutide)
⚠️ Weight Regain – Possible after stopping the drug
💉 Injection Site Reactions – Mild irritation may occur
🔥 The good news?
Low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), except when combined with insulin
Superior weight loss & metabolic benefits outweigh the side effects for many patients.
Final Verdict: Is Tirzepatide a Game-Changer for India?
Yes! Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is set to redefine diabetes and obesity management in India with:
✔️ Better HbA1c control than Semaglutide
✔️ Twice the weight loss vs Ozempic
✔️ Once-weekly dosing for convenience
💰 Affordability is a concern, but if the pricing challenge is addressed, Tirzepatide could become a leading therapy for Diabesity & Obesity in India.
📢 Should You Consider Tirzepatide?
💬 What are your thoughts on Tirzepatide’s launch in India?
✅ Would you consider switching from Semaglutide to Tirzepatide if it becomes affordable?
🔗 Stay updated with the latest in diabetes care at drkhizerjunaidy.com.
“Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) marks a breakthrough in diabetes and obesity treatment, offering new hope for patients in India with its dual-action approach to blood sugar and weight management.”
Expert care, simplified. I help you take charge of your health with clear, practical, and personalized treatment – because good healthcare should be easy to understand and even easier to follow.
5 COMMENTS
Robert Sonny
says Jul 21, 2023 at 10:00am
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John Abraham
says Jul 21, 2023 at 10:00am
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Jeba Tahsen
says Jul 21, 2023 at 10:00am
I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
John Abraham
says Jul 21, 2023 at 10:00am
I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system