Lucknow: From bridal lehengas to pre-wedding shoots and destination plans, another kind of preparation taking shape in the city is aimed at rapid weight loss.Doctors say more brides, grooms and their families are approaching them for quick weight-loss solutions, including asking about medicines such as Mounjaro and Ozempic.A recent case reflects the trend. A 29-year-old groom-to-be, weighing 105 kg at 5 feet 9 inches, approached a bariatric clinic two months before his wedding, asking for an injection to help him “lose at least 10 kg quickly” in order to look better in wedding photographs. Doctors told him this was not only unrealistic but unsafe too.Similar requests are being seen beyond weddings, including for birthdays, anniversaries, parties and holidays.Hospitals report arise in number of enquiries. At high-volume centres, numbers have increased two to three times in past 12–18 months, with 25–40 queries a week. Mid-size clinics get two–three queries daily, while smaller practices report five to seven a month.Majority of experts estimate that around 30–40% people seek these drugs for short-term cosmetic goals, while about 70% meet medical eligibility after evaluation. They are, however, expecting that ratio to change steadily.Bariatric robotic surgeon at Health City Vistaar Hospital, Dr Mohit Bhandari, saidmany patients expect rapid results without a medical need.Queries have risen by two to three times in past 12–18 months at large centres, reaching 120–150 enquiries per month. “In my practice, I find only 40 to 45% are eligible when we apply strict criteria, but the rest seek quick aesthetic change, which is neither realistic nor safe,” he said.He added that results take time. “Patients can lose around 4–8 kg in one to three months with proper treatment, diet and lifestyle changes,” he said.Dr Mahim Mittal of Medanta Hospital cautioned against short-term use of such medicines. “These medicines should be prescribed only after full evaluation and only for proper symptoms. They are meant for long-term weight management,” he emphasised.Treatment is gradual. “Doses start low and increase slowly. Weight regain is common after stopping, so there are no quick fixes. Losing and maintaining weight is a long journey,” he added.Doctors warn that misuse can lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, stomach-related side effects and weight regain.Dr Sakshi Gagneja, consultant endocrinologist at ApolloMedics Super Speciality Hospitals, said she receives 2–3 queries daily, with a 50% increase compared to a year ago.“In our practice, less than 10% come only with the aiming of improving appearance. Most patients have genuine obesity. Women enquire more for cosmetic reasons, while men usually come with complications,” she said.She emphasised careful use. “About 5–10% weight loss can be expected in three months with proper supervision. If rushed, patients may face diarrhoea, dehydration and other side effects. This is not a magic fix but a guided process,” she said.Dr Rahul Singh from Max Super Speciality Hospital said he gets 5–7 enquiries a month, with about 40% linked to short-term goals like weddings. “There has been a 50% rise in enquiries, of which around 60% are medically eligible, but results depend on strict diet and exercise,” he said.He warned against unsupervised use. “Medication without guidance often leads to failure or weight regain. Muscle loss is another concern, as it affects overall health,” he added.
