INDIA: Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science Limited, a joint venture between Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) and Nestlé India Limited (BSE: 500790, NSE: NESTLEIND) referred hereafter as “Nestlé India”, today announced the launch of Celevida^®GLP+, a specialised scientifically designed product to support optimum nutrition intake and muscle mass maintenance for sustaining metabolic and functional health for people undergoing GLP-1/GIP therapy* for management of type 2 diabetes and obesity in India.

As GLP-1/GIP–based therapies become more widely adopted in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, improving access to advanced treatment options for patients, it has become increasingly important to build an integrated ecosystem beyond medication. Encompassing nutrition, clinical monitoring, and long-term patient support, this ecosystem should be an enabler for sustained and holistic outcomes for patients managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. A critical component of this approach is addressing the nutritional gaps and muscle health challenges associated with these therapies to improve overall outcomes.

M.V. Ramana, CEO, Global Generics at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Director, Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science Limited, “GLP-1 therapies represent a significant advancement in diabetes and obesity management. However, a clear unmet need remains in supporting patients beyond pharmacological treatment, particularly in addressing nutrition gaps and preserving muscle health during therapy. As patients experience changes in body composition, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and maintaining lean body mass become critical to sustaining long-term outcomes. With Celevida^® GLP+, we aim to address this gap through a targeted, science-backed nutritional solution that complements pharmacological therapies and supports better overall patient outcomes in their everyday journey. As part of this commitment, we remain focused on advancing integrated, patient-centric solutions that enable more sustainable and holistic management of metabolic health.”

Insights from senior Indian clinicians highlighted a critical and often under-recognized risk: muscle loss during GLP-1/GIP therapy. Studies indicate that 25-40% of total weight loss associated with GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP therapies may be attributed to lean body mass loss ^(1,2). Experts noted that this risk may be amplified in Indians due to inherently lower baseline skeletal muscle mass and higher body fat mass (3), which may be further compounded by chronically low protein intake of approximately 0.6g/kg/day⁽⁴⁾. This creates a dual vulnerability, making muscle preservation not just important, but essential for long-term metabolic health.

Clinical and expert consensus recommend increasing protein intake to 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day to help preserve muscle mass during weight loss, highlighting the need for customised nutritional support ⁽⁵⁾.

Addressing this need, Celevida^® GLP+ has been scientifically designed and co-created with leading endocrinologists and diabetologists to address protein gaps and preserve muscle mass and function in individuals undergoing GLP-1/GIP therapy. It is formulated using fast-absorbing whey protein isolate (WPI), known to be gentle on the gut and suitable during periods of gastrointestinal intolerance commonly associated with GLP-1/GIP therapy.  Celevida® GLP+ provides 48 g of protein per 100 g, along with 100% RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It also provides 27 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, and calcium. Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science have an established presence in specialised nutrition for people with diabetes through its Celevida^® Diabetes Nutrition, designed to support comprehensive diabetes management. The formulation is clinically proven to support sustained 24-hour blood glucose control and reduce HbA1c levels (6), and is characterised by a low glycaemic index⁽⁷⁾, making it suitable for long-term metabolic management.

Celevida^® GLP+ is available in a 350 g pack across pharmacies, retail outlets, and leading e-commerce platforms.

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The initiative comes at a time when obesity is increasingly recognized as a medical condition rather than merely a lifestyle issue. Recently, obesity has been formally classified as a disease in international medical coding systems (ICD), enabling structured treatment approaches including medical therapies and advanced bariatric procedures.

Mr.Naval Kishor Ram, Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation, said that there is a lack of awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)  in people. We inculcate the importance of early and proper diagnosis. Commending the initiative, he said that through this centre, Noble Hospital has taken a very important step to address the very root of obesity.

One of its kind, an integrated and comprehensive centre for obesity 

This is one of its kind centres for the management of obesity with a holistic approach through integrated and comprehensive care for all kinds of obesity for adults as well as small children. Individuals seeking medical advice for obesity are guided by an obesity management group comprising a multidisciplinary team, right from a physician to a surgeon to a psychologist, delivering world-class non-surgical as well as surgical treatment regulated by international standards.

The new centre will offer integrated care through a multidisciplinary team, including bariatric medicine physicians, bariatric surgeon specialists, cosmetic-plastic surgeons, obesity and metabolic health nutritionists, bariatric physiotherapists, obesity educators, and dedicated counsellors. 

The facility will provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options such as advanced body composition analysis, DEXA scan unit, modern bariatric surgery infrastructure like robotics, and Non-invasive weight-loss procedures like the Allurion endoscopic gastric balloon.

Being the pioneers in novel injectable medical therapies for weight loss, the hospital will integrate its experienced Bariatric physician team in this center of excellence.

To complete the transformation process, body contouring, including suitable surgical or non-surgical procedures designed to remove excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits following weight loss, will also be available under one roof. The facility will also house an advanced bariatric operating table for enhanced patient safety.

The multidisciplinary team includes Dr. Reema Kashiva, Bariatric Physician, Dr. Parmeshwar Bambrule, Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Ravi Swaminathan, Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sarika Satav, Bariatric Clinical Nutritionist, Dt. Akshay Pawar, Dietician, Dr. Reshma Kangude-Lifestyle Educator, Dr. Bhupendra Gupta, Physiotherapist, Dr.Suhas Khaire, Endocrinologist, and Dr. Sheetal Harpale, Clinical Psychologist.

Dr. Reema Kashiva, Programme Director – Centre of Excellence for Obesity, Metabolic Diseases and Advanced Bariatric Sciences at Noble Hospitals, said that untreated obesity is associated with a lot of health complications, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic disorders, and many other diseases. Early and scientific intervention can significantly reduce these risks and improve quality of life.

Obesity needs to be addressed at its roots, with scientific management at each stage

According to the team at the centre, “For years, we were treating the complications of obesity rather than the disease itself. With the recognition of obesity as a medical condition and the availability of effective therapies, it is now possible to intervene early and prevent associated complications. People need guidance at every stage of weight management. Scientific, supervised, and team-based management of obesity is the need of the hour.”

While people have apprehensions about the side effects of medications, most of these can be tackled when taken under medical supervision. What should be considered is the risk of having weight versus the benefit of using injectable medicines to reduce weight and live a better quality of life in the future, and aiming to reduce the future complications of obesity.

The centre aims to create greater public awareness about obesity as a treatable disease and create awareness amongst people with a BMI above 30, or above 27 with comorbid conditions, to seek timely medical consultation.

Dr. Sanjay Pathare, Group Executive Officer, Noble Hospitals and Research Center, said that  “Obesity today is increasingly driven by poor dietary habits, over-nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and stress, not just in adults but also in small children, and early and effective obesity management can significantly reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases.“

Dr. Divij Mane, Deputy  Managing Director, Noble Hospitals, said, “Not every obese patient needs surgery. In a center of excellence, precise BMI, BCA, and comorbidity assessment is done. Non-surgical options are primarily considered. Risks such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, hypertension, and heart disease are proactively evaluated, and appropriate treatment is made available under one roof. We aim to ensure the right care plan from the right team of experts reaches every individual, from the treatment phase to follow-up care to ensure long-term well-being.”

With this integrated super-specialist team approach, Noble Hospitals seeks to strengthen its commitment to advanced metabolic care and preventive healthcare for patients in Pune and across the region.

Dr. Dileep Mane, Chairman and Managing Director, Noble Hospitals, said that “Obesity is a complex, multi-faceted disease; hence, instead of multiple standalone consults, when a dedicated team of experts jointly provides an integrated care plan tailored to each individual’s needs, you get effective and more sustainable outcomes.“

Through this Centre for Obesity, Metabolic Diseases and Advanced Bariatric Sciences, we aim to redefine obesity care with integrated treatment, advanced technology, and sustained patient support

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BENGALURU: Novo Nordisk India and Emcure Pharma today announced a strategic partnership to launch Poviztra®, semaglutide injection 2.4 mg, in India. The collaboration will strengthen the distribution and marketing of semaglutide for weight loss, particularly through pharmacies and in regions beyond those currently served by Novo Nordisk India.

Wegovy® (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) was launched in India in June 2025. It is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management and reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in individuals with overweight or obesity.1 In clinical trials, 1 in 3 participants on Wegovy® experienced weight loss of over 20%.2 Poviztra® is a second brand of Wegovy®.

This partnership is part of Novo Nordisk India’s efforts to ensure its innovative treatments reach a greater number of patients in India, broadening access to high-quality, safe, and effective weight management medication. As part of the agreement, Emcure Pharma will be the exclusive distributor responsible for the commercialisation and marketing of Poviz-tra®, semaglutide injection 2.4 mg, in India.

Commenting on the partnership, Jay Thyagarajan, Senior Vice President, Region APAC, Novo Nordisk, said, “Obesity is a serious chronic disease affecting millions of people across India and results in significant unmet medical needs. Recognising the magnitude of the obesity challenge, we launched Wegovy® in India a few months ago. Now, we are happy to join hands with Emcure Pharma to broaden access to high-quality, safe, and effective obesity treatment. This partnership brings together Novo Nordisk’s innovation in GLP-1 therapies and Emcure’s robust marketing and distribution capabilities to improve access to obesity treatment for people living with overweight or obesity in India.”

Satish Mehta, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Emcure Pharma, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Novo Nordisk India to bring Poviztra® to India and are proud to be the first Indian pharmaceutical company to bring the world’s most widely used and trusted GLP-1-based weight loss molecule to the Indian market. We believe in the potential of semaglutide.

With our strong understanding of the country’s diverse geographical landscape and established marketing capabilities, we are confident about making this molecule available to patients who need it the most.”

Semaglutide injection 2.4 mg (Wegovy®/Poviztra®) has strong clinical data and has been intensively studied across multiple obesity trials in the STEP and SELECT programmes.

Semaglutide as a molecule has been on the market for close to a decade, has 38 million patient-years* of exposure, and is supported by robust real-world evidence.1-4

*Number of people who have used semaglutide multiplied by the time on the medicine

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In the ‘Obesity’ pandemic, Dr. Baig suggests a collaborative effort from the public and private sectors is crucial. While prevention is key, treating class 2 or 3 obesity often challenges traditional methods with a success rate of 1 in 100, and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery isn’t universally suitable due to surgical concerns. A promising alternative is Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery or Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, a non-surgical procedure using advanced endoscopy tools. It makes the stomach smaller, and modifies eating capacity and gut signals, offering a viable option for those averse to surgery or needing modest weight loss in the battle against obesity.

Performing Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery involves inserting a slightly larger endoscope into the stomach with two channels. Utilizing advanced instruments, a needle holder with a stitch and forceps are employed for internal stomach stitching, offering a minimally invasive procedure akin to open or laparoscopic surgeries. Patients can go home the same day, devoid of abdominal scars, as the process occurs through the mouth. Recovery is swift with minimal pain, and though some may experience nausea and abdominal cramping for the initial 3-4 days, it subsides. Several clinical trials suggest significant weight loss with safety comparable to or even surpassing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.

The strides in weight loss interventions owe their success to years of research, overcoming initial trials and skepticism. Over the past few years, numerous surgeries, including pivotal trials like the Merit trial, have contributed to establishing a commendable safety profile for the procedure. While diet and lifestyle modifications, coupled with physical training, form integral components of all treatment protocols, additional measures become imperative due to their limited effectiveness in isolation. For individuals in Class 1 obesity, the incorporation of anti-obesity drugs is considered, recognizing the availability of various medications. However, the potential side effects, costs, and issues of noncompliance associated with drugs make alternative interventions necessary. Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery emerges as a preferred non-surgical approach for class 2 obesity patients, offering rapid recovery and minimal discomfort. For those in Class 3 obesity, Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery remains the favored option for achieving significant weight loss.

All decisions regarding treatment options will involve mutual counseling and discussion with the patient. A Class 1 patient, for instance, whose diabetes drugs may not be effective, might choose Laparoscopic Bariatric over Endoscopic Bariatric. On the other hand, individuals in Class 3 or 4 obesity may opt for Endoscopic Bariatric if they are averse to surgical procedures. CMRI is among the first centers in India to adopt Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery, equipped with the necessary logistics and infrastructure. This approach is considered highly beneficial for society, especially for patients unwilling to undergo surgery. Dr. Baig highlights that “On Monday, the 9th of January, we successfully conducted two cases under mentorship. The procedures went smoothly, and the patients were discharged the following morning without any complications, experiencing minimal pain.” The CMRI’s Specialist states that the first patient, a 35-year-old woman with a BMI of 39, struggled with obesity and infertility, and the second case involved a 29-year-old male.

Endoscopic Bariatric is an exciting breakthrough in weight loss interventions. This procedure is performed through an endoscope inserted down the mouth to the stomach, which reduces the capacity to eat by stitching the stomach under anesthesia. It’s a daycare procedure with low pain scores, quick recovery, and no scars. Ideal candidates are those with Class 1-2 obesity (BMI 30-40), with young
individuals showing particular interest. It proves effective for modest weight loss and is beneficial for conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, sleep apnea, and even for those facing infertility due to PCOD.

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PUNE: In an effort to address the increasing burden of metabolic diseases and provide a holistic approach to the treatment, KEM Hospital, Pune today launched a unique Metabolic and Obesity Clinic.

Bariatric Surgeon Dr.Jayashree Todkar who will be heading the clinic said that the main aim behind starting this clinic is to diagnose metabolic diseases at an early stage and treat them with a scientific and holistic approach so as to reduce the risk of future complications.

Our country is witnessing a significant surge in the combination of diabetes and obesity. If not treated early, there is a risk of landing up with serious complications which have a significant impact on quality of life, leave alone the financial burden, she added. A lot of conditions like high blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney and liver diseases, joint problems, infertility, many types of cancers, fatigue, depression etc are linked to obesity and diabetes. These diseases are likely to be significantly more aggressive and progressive than those who are non-obese. To add to this the Pandemic has also fuelled obesity-linked issues amongst all age groups including children, adolescents,s and adults.

Dr. Todkar added, while awareness about various diseases is increasing, people approach the doctors only when they experience some problems, and by the time the disease has already progressed. To add to this, about 80% of patients with metabolic diseases have central obesity, while 60% have overall obesity. Visceral Fat which is the root cause of all these problems is also significantly higher in our country. Therefore the need of the hour is education and awareness. Diagnosing and starting the treatment early and a stage-wise scientific approach according to international guidelines is the key. It is important to make the patient understand that any serious issues like heart ailments, joint problems, or others may be linked to obesity and should be treated hand in hand.

Dr. Todkar said that this requires a dedicated metabolic clinic that will do a proper evaluation, identify the stage, and risk for future complications, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The team includes nutritionists, physiotherapists, physicians, surgeons, counselors, coordinators, and other experts. The idea is to provide a holistic approach to address the overall metabolic issue rather than treating only individual symptoms like weight, sugar levels, BP, cholesterol, etc. This will help improve the metabolic health of the patients and reduce the risk of future complications and enhance the individual’s overall health and productivity.

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