India, April 2 -- The GLP-1-based weight loss drugs are prescription medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but carry serious side effects and must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical specialist, the Government said on Wednesday.

Highlighting that multiple variants of GLP-1 drugs have been recently introduced in the Indian market, and concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics, the Government said the CDSCO has intensified its regulatory surveillance against its unauthorised sale and promotion and warned stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks.

"Businesses that break the ...