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Novo Nordisk India MD: weight-Loss Drugs Not a ‘Magic Pill’
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Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, cautioned against viewing weight-loss drugs as a rapid fix during a session on obesity treatments at the India Today Conclave 2025. Shrotriya,whose company manufactures medications like Ozempic and wegovy,emphasized the critical role of lifestyle changes,specifically the “ABC (attitude,behavior and choices) mantra,” in achieving enduring weight loss alongside medical intervention. He stressed that medication alone is insufficient without addressing underlying lifestyle factors.
Published: March 7, 2025
The ABCs of Weight Loss: Attitude, behavior, and Choices
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, Vikrant Shrotriya, who also serves as Corporate Vice President of Novo Nordisk India, challenged the notion of weight-loss drugs as a “miracle pill.” He underscored that a holistic approach, encompassing attitude, behavior, and choices, is paramount for effective weight management.
Shrotriya explained the complexities of obesity,stating:
When we talk about obesity as a disease,it’s not just about excess fat or adiposity,it’s also a metabolic abnormality. If losing weight were as simple as eating less and exercising more,it wouldn’t be such a struggle. I have tried to lose just one kilogram, but after a single day of partying, the weight comes right back. This shows that weight regulation is about more than just energy balance.
He cautioned against the misconception that medication can compensate for unhealthy habits, emphasizing that “one cannot party and then take the injection (weight-loss drug).”
Medication as a ‘Rescue’
Shrotriya clarified the role of weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, in the broader context of obesity management.He acknowledged their effectiveness in regulating appetite by influencing the brain’s hunger signals and slowing gastric emptying.
He positioned these drugs as a valuable tool for individuals who struggle to lose weight through conventional methods:
It is indeed indeed a rescue for those who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Though, he reiterated that medication is not a substitute for basic lifestyle changes. “Lifestyle, exercise, and diet are integral to a person’s well-being. Attitude,behaviour,and choices also play a crucial role. This (weight loss drug) is not a magic pill, it is indeed a medication,” Shrotriya stated.
He further elaborated on the physiological mechanisms of these drugs:
When one is hungry, the metabolic rate drops, making you feel the urge to eat more. the drug signals the brain to reduce hunger and slows gastric motility, helping with weight reduction. However, it should be used as part of a balanced approach that includes diet and exercise, it is not meant to be abused.
the Growing Obesity Crisis
Shrotriya’s remarks come at a time when obesity rates are soaring globally. He referenced a recent Lancet study that projects nearly a third of the Indian population will be obese by 2050. He also addressed the unique challenges faced by Indians, who are frequently enough described as “thin-fat,” possessing a higher proportion of visceral fat compared to Caucasians.
He emphasized that obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern but a serious health issue:
Obesity is not just about weight gain, it is indeed a metabolic abnormality involving excess fat and adiposity. If losing weight were as simple as eating less and exercising more, it wouldn’t be such a struggle.
Shrotriya also touched upon the evolutionary factors contributing to the obesity epidemic, explaining how the “thrifty genotype,” which once helped humans survive periods of food scarcity, now predisposes individuals to weight gain in an era of readily available and affordable food.
Beyond Willpower: A Metabolic Viewpoint
Shrotriya challenged the common perception that weight loss is solely a matter of willpower. He drew a parallel between the difficulty of losing weight and quitting smoking, suggesting that both struggles involve complex physiological and psychological factors.
He argued that the widespread prevalence of obesity indicates a deeper issue than simply a lack of self-discipline:
For manny, eating is not entirely within their control, it’s similar to smoking. It’s not just about willpower; if a billion people struggle with obesity, it’s unlikely that they all simply lack self-discipline. This goes beyond energy balance and willpower; it fundamentally disrupts the body’s metabolic state.
Health Concerns Over Beauty Standards
Addressing concerns about societal pressure to be thin, Shrotriya clarified that his primary focus is on the escalating health problems associated with obesity. “I’m more worried about the health of the nation,” he stated, advocating for the judicious use of weight-loss drugs under medical supervision.
He also addressed the issue of weight regain after discontinuing medication, comparing it to the recurrence of conditions like diabetes or hypertension when treatment is stopped. He noted that the body’s natural survival instincts often lead to weight rebound, as hunger hormones compensate for reduced calorie intake.
Shrotriya concluded by emphasizing that weight-loss drugs are a long-term management tool for a chronic metabolic disease, requiring ongoing commitment and effort to maintain results. While these medications can effectively reduce body weight, sustained success hinges on motivation and willpower.
The Weight-Loss Drug dilemma: Beyond the “Magic Pill” Mentality
Did you know that nearly a third of the global population is projected to be obese by 2050? This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a complex metabolic disorder demanding a holistic approach.
Interview with Dr. evelyn Reed, Leading Endocrinologist and Obesity Specialist
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Reed, novo Nordisk’s Managing Director recently cautioned against viewing weight-loss drugs as a “magic bullet.” Can you elaborate on the complexities of obesity treatment and the limitations of medication alone?
Dr. Reed: absolutely. The statement highlights a crucial point many overlook: obesity isn’t simply a matter of willpower or caloric imbalance. It’s a complex metabolic disease influenced by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. While medications like semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) can effectively manage appetite and slow gastric emptying, thereby aiding weight loss, they’re not a standalone solution. Treating obesity effectively requires a multifaceted strategy encompassing lifestyle adjustments and medical intervention, working synergistically. Focusing solely on pharmaceutical interventions, without addressing the underlying behavioral and environmental factors contributing to obesity, is akin to treating a symptom without addressing the root cause.
World-Today-news.com: Can you explain the “ABC” mantra – Attitude, Behavior, and Choices – in the context of accomplished weight management?
Dr. Reed: The “ABC” mantra perfectly encapsulates a holistic approach to weight management. Attitude refers to cultivating a positive and realistic mindset towards weight loss. This involves setting achievable goals, embracing self-compassion, and focusing on progress, not perfection. Behavior emphasizes the importance of adopting enduring lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity and mindful eating habits. This might involve adopting a balanced diet, reducing processed foods, and practicing portion control. Choices highlight the decisions we make daily that influence our weight. This includes conscious food selections,choosing active transportation over sedentary options,and managing stress levels effectively.
World-Today-News.com: many believe weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are a shortcut to weight loss. How do these medications work, and what are their potential benefits and limitations?
Dr. Reed: These GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone, influencing the brain’s hunger signals and slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This helps manage appetite,leading to reduced calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. The primary benefit is their effectiveness in helping individuals struggling with significant weight loss resistance—those who haven’t found success using customary methods of diet and exercise. Though, these medications are not a speedy fix, and they are most effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. limitations include potential side effects such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Moreover, weight regain is absolutely possible upon discontinuation if the underlying behavioral patterns aren’t addressed.
World-Today-News.com: What are some of the broader societal and evolutionary factors contributing to the global obesity epidemic?
Dr. Reed: The modern environment presents numerous challenges to weight management. The abundance of readily available,highly palatable,and affordable processed foods contributes considerably to overconsumption. Sedentary lifestyles,fueled by technology and urbanization,further exacerbate the problem. Moreover, evolutionary factors might play a role. The “thrifty gene” hypothesis suggests that our bodies might have evolved to efficiently store energy during times of scarcity, making it challenging to lose weight in an era of constant food availability. Societal pressures, beauty standards, and marketing strategies also influence dietary choices and create an environment conducive to weight gain.
World-Today-News.com: How can we move beyond simply blaming individuals for a lack of willpower when discussing obesity?
Dr. Reed: Attributing obesity solely to individual willpower ignores the intricate interplay of complex biological and environmental factors. Consider obesity as analogous to other chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. These conditions often require medication and lifestyle changes for effective management. Similarly, obesity requires a holistic approach targeting both lifestyle and underlying metabolic dysfunctions. A more compassionate and understanding approach emphasizes support and sustainable changes rather than solely relying on individual self-discipline.
World-Today-news.com: What are your key takeaways and recommendations for individuals seeking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight?
Dr.Reed: Here are some key takeaways and recommendations:
- seek professional guidance: Consult with a medical professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored
The Weight-Loss Revolution: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Age of OzempicDid you know that obesity is projected to affect nearly a third of the global population by 2050? This isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it’s a complex metabolic disorder requiring a far more nuanced approach than simply focusing on willpower.
Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed, Leading Endocrinologist and Obesity Specialist
World-Today-News.com: Dr.Reed, recent statements from pharmaceutical executives caution against viewing weight-loss drugs as a “magic bullet.” Can you elaborate on the complexities of obesity treatment and the limitations of medication alone?
Dr. Reed: Absolutely. The notion that weight-loss medications are a simple solution overlooks the multifaceted nature of obesity. It’s not merely a matter of caloric imbalance or a lack of willpower; it’s a complex metabolic disease with genetic, hormonal, and environmental components. While medications like semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) effectively manage appetite and slow gastric emptying, leading to weight loss, they are not a standalone solution.Effective obesity treatment necessitates a thorough strategy that synergistically combines lifestyle modifications with targeted medical interventions. Focusing solely on medications without addressing underlying lifestyle factors is akin to treating a symptom rather than the root cause. Obesity management requires a holistic approach that involves addressing the underlying causes of weight gain, rather than just focusing on the weight itself.
World-Today-News.com: Can you explain the “ABC” mantra – Attitude,Behavior,and Choices – in the context of successful weight management?
Dr. Reed: The “ABC” mantra perfectly encapsulates a holistic approach to long-term weight management. Attitude involves cultivating a positive and realistic mindset. This means setting achievable goals, practicing self-compassion, and focusing on progress, not perfection. Behavior emphasizes adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and mindful eating habits. This includes incorporating a balanced diet,minimizing processed foods,and practicing portion control. Choices highlight the daily decisions we make—conscious food selections, choosing active transportation, and stress management—that significantly impact our weight and overall health.
World-Today-News.com: Many believe weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic offer a shortcut to weight loss. How do these medications work, and what are their benefits and limitations?
Dr.Reed: These GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a natural hormone, impacting the brain’s hunger signals and slowing gastric emptying. This leads to appetite management, reduced calorie intake, and subsequent weight loss. The primary benefit is their effectiveness for individuals with important weight loss resistance—those who haven’t succeeded with conventional diet and exercise. however, these medications are not a rapid fix. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes. Limitations include potential side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Critically, weight regain is highly probable upon discontinuation if underlying lifestyle behaviors aren’t addressed. Understanding the mechanisms of these drugs is crucial for effective and safe use.
World-Today-News.com: What are some of the broader societal and evolutionary factors contributing to the global obesity epidemic?
Dr. reed: Our modern environment presents significant weight management challenges. The abundance of readily available,highly palatable,and affordable processed foods contributes significantly to overconsumption. Sedentary lifestyles, driven by technology and urbanization, further compound the problem. Additionally, evolutionary factors might play a role. The “thrifty gene” hypothesis suggests that our bodies evolved to efficiently store energy during times of scarcity, making weight loss challenging in an era of abundant food. Societal pressures, beauty standards, and marketing strategies also heavily influence dietary choices, creating an environment conducive to weight gain.
world-Today-News.com: How can we move beyond simply blaming individuals for a lack of willpower when discussing obesity?
Dr. Reed: Attributing obesity solely to individual willpower ignores the complex interplay of biological and environmental factors. Consider obesity like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension. These conditions often require medication and lifestyle changes for effective management. Similarly, obesity needs a holistic approach that addresses both lifestyle and underlying metabolic dysfunctions. A more compassionate and understanding approach emphasizes support and sustainable changes rather than solely relying on individual self-discipline. It’s a complex medical issue, requiring a comprehensive approach.
World-Today-News.com: What are your key takeaways and recommendations for individuals seeking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight?
Dr. Reed: Here are some key takeaways and recommendations:
seek professional guidance: consult a medical professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice and a tailored plan.
Adopt a holistic approach: Combine lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) with medical interventions as needed.
Set realistic goals: focus on gradual, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes.
Prioritize sustainable lifestyle changes: Long-term success depends on adopting healthy habits that you can maintain over time.
* Practice self-compassion: Weight management is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress and learn from setbacks.
The path to healthy weight management is a holistic journey requiring a comprehensive understanding of individual needs and societal influences. By integrating medical innovation, lifestyle modifications, and a compassionate approach, individuals can attain lasting health improvements and move beyond the limitations of a solely “willpower-driven” narrative. Share your experiences in the comments below!