The promise of effortless weight loss has made drugs like Ozempic wildly popular — but behind the dramatic before-and-after stories, doctors are now witnessing a troubling reality unfold in clinics.

Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant and Director of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, says a growing number of people are arriving at his outpatient department not lighter and healthier, but anxious, bloated and emotionally distressed.

“These injections were designed for diabetes management. Weight loss was never meant to be their primary purpose,” Dr. Malhotra said. “When people start using them casually, without medical supervision, they open the door to serious physical and mental health problems.”

According to him, the unchecked use of such medications can disrupt digestion and appetite to an unhealthy degree. “Patients report extremely low appetite, constant bloating, indigestion and a sense of uneasiness. What’s more worrying is that many also develop anxiety and depressive symptoms,” he explained.

Dr. Malhotra revealed that in recent months alone, he has seen eight to ten such cases. “Some patients had prescriptions, but others were ordering these medicines online, completely on their own,” he said. “Two of them progressed into depression after prolonged use. That is a red flag.”

One case that stood out involved a 27-year-old woman who had to discontinue the drug after developing depression. “She thought she was choosing a healthier path. Instead, her mental well-being suffered,” he said.

Doctors say these side effects often appear within the first month. “There’s a sudden loss of appetite, followed by bloating, weakness, anxiety and a constant feeling that something isn’t right,” Dr. Malhotra noted. “People underestimate how disruptive this can be to everyday life.”

He also warned about the dangers of easy access. “If such powerful medicines are freely available over the counter or online, we are going to see many more cases,” he cautioned.

Dr. Malhotra stressed that there is no miracle solution to weight loss. “There is no magic shot that can replace a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “Eating more vegetables, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and avoiding alcohol and smoking remain the foundation.”

Weight-loss drugs, he added, should only be used when clearly indicated — and always under strict medical guidance. “Quick fixes may look tempting, but they often come with hidden costs,” he said.

As social media continues to fuel the hype around injectable weight-loss drugs, doctors are urging people to pause and ask a simple question: is shedding kilos worth risking both physical comfort and mental peace.