As newer obesity and diabetes medicines gain popularity across India, doctors are warning that rapid weight loss may come with a quieter and potentially dangerous side effect — loss of muscle strength. Against this backdrop, Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science Limited have launched Celevida GLP+, a specialised nutrition product designed for people undergoing GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP therapy— medicines increasingly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity management.

The launch comes at a time when India is witnessing a sharp rise in metabolic disorders. According to estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research and international diabetes studies, millions of Indians are living with obesity-linked diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular complications. New-generation GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medicines, which help regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, are being viewed by many clinicians as a major breakthrough. Yet specialists now say the conversation can no longer remain limited to weight reduction alone.

Senior endocrinologists and diabetologists associated with the development of the product pointed to an under-recognised concern emerging in clinics: muscle loss during treatment. Scientific studies cited by the company suggest that nearly 25 to 40 percent of total weight lost during GLP-1 and GLP/GIP therapy may come from lean body mass—a term doctors use for muscles, organs, and other non-fat tissues essential for strength, mobility, and metabolism.

For Indian patients, experts believe the risk may be even higher. Many Indians naturally have lower skeletal muscle mass and higher body fat compared to Western populations. At the same time, several nutrition studies have shown that average daily protein intake in India often remains below recommended levels. In practical terms, the situation means some patients losing weight rapidly may also experience weakness, fatigue, slower recovery and reduced physical function if nutritional support is ignored.

“GLP-1 therapies represent a significant advancement in diabetes and obesity management. However, a clear unmet need remains in supporting patients beyond pharmacological treatment, particularly in addressing nutrition gaps and preserving muscle health during therapy,” said M.V. Ramana, CEO, Global Generics at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Director, Dr Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science Limited.

“As patients experience changes in body composition, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and maintaining lean body mass become critical to sustaining long-term outcomes. With Celevida GLP+, we want to fill this gap by providing a specific, science-based nutritional solution that works alongside medical treatments and helps improve patients' overall health in their daily lives, he added.

The newly launched formulation has been co-created with endocrinologists and diabetes specialists to address these concerns. It uses whey protein isolate, a fast-absorbing milk-derived protein often considered easier on the stomach during periods of nausea or digestive discomfort — common complaints among people taking GLP-1 medicines. The product contains 48 grams of protein per 100 grams along with branched-chain amino acids, commonly called BCAAs, which help muscles repair and maintain strength. It also includes vitamins A and D and calcium, nutrients linked to bone and immune health.

Doctors involved in obesity management say nutrition support is becoming increasingly important as India adopts advanced metabolic therapies. Clinical recommendations now suggest protein intake of around 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight during medically supervised weight loss to reduce muscle deterioration.

The launch also reflects a wider shift in healthcare thinking. For years, obesity treatment largely focused on reducing body weight. But metabolic specialists now argue that preserving muscle, maintaining energy levels and improving the long-term quality of life are equally important measures of success.

Celevida GLP+ is available in a 350-gram pack across pharmacies, retail outlets, and major e-commerce platforms, signalling what experts believe could become a broader move toward integrated nutrition support alongside obesity and diabetes medicines in India’s evolving healthcare landscape.