Weight loss remains one of the most pursued health goals worldwide and one of the most difficult to sustain. While consistent exercise and balanced nutrition are widely accepted as the foundation of healthy
weight management, the journey is rarely straightforward.
In recent years, a new class of medications has entered the conversation, rapidly gaining attention as potential game-changers. Among the most talked-about are Mounjaro and Ozempic, injectable drugs originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes but increasingly associated with significant weight reduction.
Their rise in popularity has been fuelled in part by high-profile figures who have openly acknowledged using them. Earlier this week, comedian Aishwarya Mohanraj shared that Mounjaro played a role in her weight loss, a disclosure that sparked fresh discussion around transparency, medical supervision, and the pressures surrounding body image.
Soha Ali Khan on honesty and medical responsibility
Actor Soha Ali Khan responded to Aishwarya’s admission on Instagram, commending her for being candid about her journey.
“So finally someone said it,” Soha noted, referring to the openness about using medication rather than attributing weight loss solely to diet and exercise. She added that such honesty requires courage, especially in an industry where transformation stories are often simplified.
However, Soha also emphasised caution. She reiterated that Ozempic and Mounjaro should not be viewed as social media trends or cosmetic quick fixes.
“These are serious medical treatments meant for specific individuals,” she pointed out.
Acknowledging that weight gain and weight loss are influenced by more than just willpower, Soha highlighted factors such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and metabolic conditions.
While injectable medications can assist in certain cases, she stressed that they require proper testing, evaluation, and ongoing medical supervision due to potential side effects.
“Instead of asking who is taking it, perhaps we should be asking who genuinely needs it,” she said.
She also shared that an upcoming episode of her podcast All About Her will feature endocrinologist Dr Ambrish Mithal and nutritionist Dr Juhi Agarwal, who will discuss the science, benefits, risks, and misconceptions surrounding these drugs.
Are Ozempic and Mounjaro the same?
Although often grouped together, Ozempic and Mounjaro are not identical medications.
Both belong to a category known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced in the intestine. This hormone stimulates insulin production, lowers blood sugar levels, and slows gastric emptying, which can reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
However, there are key differences.
Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) acts on two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). It is currently approved for treating type 2 diabetes and has shown notable weight-loss effects.
Ozempic (generic name: semaglutide) targets only the GLP-1 receptor and is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors.
While both medications have demonstrated weight-reducing properties, they were developed primarily for metabolic disorders, not cosmetic weight loss.
As the conversation around these drugs continues to evolve, medical experts consistently stress one point: they are not shortcuts. They are prescription treatments that require individual assessment, professional guidance, and careful monitoring.
