India Faces Obesity Surge, SMSRC Report Reveals Key Trends

New Delhi [India], December 2: India is entering a decisive phase in its fight against obesity, a condition that has long remained overshadowed by diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic respiratory illnesses. The latest SMSRC Insights Report, drawn from aggregated and anonymised prescription data contributed by nearly 10,700 OPD-based physicians across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities, indicates that obesity is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most significant chronic health challenges.

Obesity is reshaping patient profiles, influencing prescribing behaviour, and redefining the dynamics of therapeutic markets. With the disease gaining prominence within India’s chronic care landscape, healthcare professionals are being urged to recognise the full scale of this evolving burden.

Published estimates suggest that approximately 7.4 crore Indians currently live with obesity, representing nearly 5% of the population. Projections indicate that this figure may escalate to 18.5 crore within the next 15 years, pushing national prevalence to 11.5%. With obesity growing at an estimated 15% annually, the repercussions for outpatient care are substantial. Despite this escalation, the level of active treatment remains disproportionately low.

According to the SMSRC Insights Report, only 31.6 lakh obese individuals receive active OPD-based management annually. This gap between burden and treatment represents both a significant risk and a major opportunity for earlier detection, improved disease management, and prevention of related complications.

The report reveals a notable demographic shift. While women continue to account for a larger percentage of diagnosed cases, obesity among men is rising at a faster pace. Younger adults—particularly those below 40—constitute the highest share of “only-obesity” diagnoses, signalling that weight gain is beginning earlier and often precedes the onset of metabolic disorders. Among patients aged 41–60, obesity is increasingly interlinked with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, fatty liver disease, and hypothyroidism. Today, approximately 96% of labelled obesity cases appear as provisional diagnoses accompanied by co-morbidities, reflecting the progression of obesity into a multi-system chronic condition.

Contrary to common assumptions, obesity management is no longer confined to endocrinologists or nutrition specialists. SMSRC data shows that diabetologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, chest physicians, and consulting physicians are among the highest contributors to diagnosing and managing obesity-related conditions. Orthopaedics and gynaecologists also play a significant role due to obesity-linked osteoarthritis and PCOS/PCOD.

Aneesh Mitra, President of SMSRC, notes that additional specialities—such as dermatology for cosmetic concerns and psychiatry for obesity linked to anxiety or depression—may increasingly contribute to the therapeutic landscape as scientific understanding and evidence evolve.

The report also captures the rising adoption of modern anti-obesity agents, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Tirzepatide and Semaglutide injectables, which are transforming obesity care through sustained weight loss and glycaemic benefits. Prescriptions for GLP-1 therapies and lipase inhibitors have risen markedly since mid-2025. Traditional therapies like SGLT2 inhibitors and Metformin continue to remain relevant due to their favourable weight profiles and cost accessibility. Metformin can cost as little as ₹72 per month, whereas GLP-1 injectables range from under ₹11,000 to over ₹16,000.

While these high-cost treatments currently serve a smaller patient pool, their chronic usage, effectiveness, and growing acceptance suggest robust future market expansion. The anticipated loss of exclusivity for Semaglutide (injectable and oral) is expected to enable the entry of affordable generics, significantly expanding access, especially in smaller cities. SMSRC recommends that incumbents consider strategic price rationalisation to preserve market presence as competition intensifies.

Consumer interest will also influence the evolution of obesity therapy. The report highlights that demand may increasingly be driven by consumer pull, resembling trends seen in other lifestyle-driven therapy categories. However, rapid mass adoption could risk diluting clinical understanding and necessitate strong counselling frameworks to align patient expectations with scientific evidence.

Ultimately, the SMSRC Insights Report underscores that obesity presents both a profound public health challenge and an untapped opportunity for enhanced disease management. India’s health system will require coordinated action across specialities to respond effectively to this escalating burden.

Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor before making healthcare decisions.