Overview The Drugs Controller of India (DCGI) has intensified monitoring of GLP‑1 based weight‑loss medicines. The move follows the launch of several generic variants and rising concerns about their unregulated availability through pharmacies, online platforms and wellness clinics. Key Developments 10 March 2026: Advisory issued to all manufacturers banning surrogate advertisements and any off‑label promotion. Inspections carried out at 49 entities across the country, covering online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retail outlets and slimming clinics. Notices sent to entities found violating the prescription‑only rule or engaging in misleading marketing. Potential penalties include licence cancellation, monetary fines and prosecution under existing drug laws. Important Facts • The drugs are approved for prescription by Endocrinologists , Internal Medicine Specialists and, for certain indications, Cardiologists . • Use without clinical supervision can cause severe adverse effects, underscoring the need for strict prescription compliance. • The regulatory approach includes regulatory surveillance of the entire supply chain. UPSC Relevance Understanding this development is vital for GS papers: GS2 (Polity): Role of the DCGI and state regulators in enforcing drug safety norms. GS1 (Health & Society): Public health implications of unsupervised use of anti‑obesity drugs and the importance of prescription‑only policies. GS4 (Ethics & Governance): Issues of consumer protection, misleading advertisements, and ethical prescribing practices. Way Forward • Strengthen coordination between central and state drug authorities for real‑time monitoring of online sales platforms. • Enhance public awareness campaigns emphasizing that GLP‑1 drugs are prescription drugs and must be used under specialist supervision. • Implement stricter penalties for repeat offenders to deter illegal marketing and sales. • Encourage research on safe, affordable weight‑management alternatives to reduce dependence on high‑cost GLP‑1 analogues.