Survey found that media conversations around weight loss focus too heavily on these medications, and 81% believe the media exaggerates their effectiveness |Image used for representational purpose only
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A survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a non-profit organisation, has found that while many adults have heard of injectable weight loss drugs, most are unclear about how they actually work.
The survey was carried online out with 1,087 respondents from Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai. GLP-1 receptor drugs for weight loss have been getting a lot of attention recently, as more people turn to them for quick results despite concerns about side effects and long-term effectiveness.
Only 18% correctly said that these drugs reduce appetite, the survey found. 26% wrongly thought they burn fat directly, and 20% believed they speed up metabolism. Another 18% said they don’t know, and 18% said they had never heard of these drugs at all.
“Access to weight loss resources is a concern. In Chennai, only 43% felt they had access to effective options. Despite this, 93% had tried to lose weight at least once in their life. However, only 19% of those individuals were able to maintain that weight loss over the long term. This shows the lack of sustainable solutions,” said Zeeshan Ali, research program specialist at PCRM.
As per the survey, many people have heard about the side effects of injectable weight loss drugs, but their understanding varies. Around 30% said they have specifically heard about negative side effects while taking these drugs, while 45% said they had heard something negative, but not in detail.
Most felt that media conversations around weight loss focus too heavily on these medications, and 81% believe the media exaggerates their effectiveness.
“There’s strong interest in plant-based diets as a safer alternative,” said Mr. Ali. As much as 87% of people in Chennai said they would prefer trying a plant-based diet, despite a majority of respondents from the city being meat-eaters, rather than injectable drugs for weight loss. If research showed that this approach could cause significant weight loss, 83% said they would seriously consider it.
Cost and sustainability are also major concerns. At ₹15,000 per month, these drugs are out of reach for many. Research shows that after initial weight loss, the effects plateau around 60 weeks, and weight often returns once the drugs are stopped, according to Mr. Ali.
“When asked why they would consider switching to a plant-based diet, people cited reasons such as no side effects, scientific evidence of effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. Despite only 1% of India currently following a plant-based lifestyle, there’s a strong need to spread awareness about its benefits,” said Mr. Ali.
Published – July 22, 2025 03:21 pm IST
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