Several Indian cricketers reportedly using weight-loss injections to look leaner

Several Indian cricketers, among them IPL players, are reportedly turning to prescription weight-loss injections to achieve a slimmer physique, with the trend said to extend to younger players who are experimenting with these drugs without any clinical need. The report, which cites unnamed sources, has not been independently verified, and no specific player names have been confirmed.

According to the report, the growing emphasis on a lean build within Indian cricket has contributed to this development.

"This is being seen as a shortcut to weight loss, alongside regular workouts. That is why some cricketers are opting for it. Even the Bollywood stars are into it," a source was quoted as saying by CricBlogger.

The report also notes that Virat Kohli's well-documented fitness transformation has set a widely acknowledged benchmark for athleticism in the sport, and some cricketers reportedly feel pressure to maintain a similarly lean build.

It must be noted that no official statement has been issued by the BCCI or the IPL on this matter. The report relies entirely on unnamed sources and has not been corroborated by any named individual or official body.

What are GLP-1 medications and what risks do they carry?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone the gut releases after a meal. It signals the pancreas to produce insulin, slows the rate at which the stomach empties, and communicates with the brain to reduce appetite. Pharmaceutical versions of this hormone, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, were developed primarily to manage type-2 diabetes and, in certain cases, clinically defined obesity.

Medical experts caution that these treatments are not cosmetic tools and should only be used under proper medical supervision for patients with a clinical need. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort and bloating, with more serious complications possible in some patients. Health professionals continue to stress that using these drugs purely for appearance-related goals carries real risks.

How accessible and affordable are these treatments in India?

The availability of GLP-1 treatments in India has expanded considerably in recent months. Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, launched in India in March 2025 and is priced between approximately Rs 13,125 per month for the 2.5 mg dose and Rs 25,781 per month for the 15 mg dose. Wegovy, a semaglutide-based option approved specifically for weight management, launched in India in June 2025 with lower doses priced at around Rs 17,345 per month.

"GLP-1 is a natural gut hormone produced in the small intestine and colon. It is released after eating and signals the pancreas to release insulin, slows stomach digestion and communicates with the brain to create feelings of fullness," the source continued.

“This is being seen as a shortcut to weight loss, alongside regular workouts. That is why some cricketers are opting for it. Even the Bollywood stars are into it,” the source concluded.

Generic semaglutide entered the Indian market in March 2026 at significantly reduced prices. This drop in cost has made GLP-1 treatments accessible to a far wider population, including those without a clinical indication.