As of February 25, 2025, several significant developments have emerged in India’s wellness sector:
1. Government Initiatives Addressing Obesity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched an anti-obesity campaign featuring prominent celebrities to combat the rising obesity rates in India. A Lancet study highlighted that obesity prevalence among Indian women increased from 1.2% to 9.8%, and among men from 0.5% to 5.4% between 1990 and 2022. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles nationwide.
2. Pharmaceutical Advances in Weight Management
Novo Nordisk anticipates substantial demand for its obesity medication, Wegovy, upon its upcoming launch in India. The company’s India Managing Director, Vikrant Shrotriya, emphasized the need for government intervention to recognize obesity as a chronic disease and to increase public awareness. The pricing strategy is under evaluation to ensure affordability for the Indian population.
3. Corporate Wellness and Mental Health Awareness
The tragic death of 26-year-old accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil, four months after joining Ernst & Young (EY), has sparked discussions about workplace stress and mental health in India. Her mother attributed her death to overwork and unrealistic job expectations, highlighting the urgent need for corporate policies that prioritize employee well-being.
These developments underscore a growing focus on holistic health, encompassing physical well-being and mental health awareness, within India’s wellness landscape.
