India has approved Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. The decision marks an important step in expanding treatment options for patients with a condition that is becoming increasingly common because of rising obesity and diabetes rates.
The approval was granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), allowing doctors to prescribe Wegovy for eligible adults with MASH. The drug was already approved in India for chronic weight management. With the latest clearance, its use now extends beyond obesity treatment to include a serious liver disease that can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated.
MASH, previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, triggering inflammation and scarring. Over time, the disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer. Since symptoms often appear only in the later stages, many people remain unaware they have the condition until significant liver damage has already occurred.
Health experts say the approval comes at a crucial time for India, where lifestyle-related diseases are increasing rapidly. Rising obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders have contributed to a growing number of fatty liver disease cases, making MASH a significant public health concern.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite, slows digestion and reduces food intake, leading to sustained weight loss. Researchers have also found that the drug improves metabolic health, which may help reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression.
The expanded approval follows positive results from global clinical trials, where patients treated with Wegovy showed significant improvements in liver health. Studies found that many participants experienced reduced liver inflammation, while some also showed improvements in liver scarring. Researchers concluded that the treatment increased the likelihood of resolving MASH without worsening fibrosis, one of the key markers of advanced liver disease.
Medical experts believe the approval could benefit patients who have limited treatment options. Until now, doctors have mainly relied on lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, healthier diets and regular exercise to manage the disease. While these measures remain essential, maintaining long-term weight loss can be difficult for many patients, increasing the need for effective medicines.
Doctors, however, caution that Wegovy is not a substitute for healthy living. Patients prescribed the drug will still need to follow balanced diets, remain physically active and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor liver health and overall metabolic condition.
The approval also reflects growing recognition that obesity is linked to several serious health conditions beyond excess weight. In recent years, GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy have demonstrated benefits in managing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and now fatty liver disease, making them an important part of modern metabolic care.
For Novo Nordisk, the expanded indication strengthens Wegovy’s position as one of the company’s flagship medicines. Demand for GLP-1 therapies has surged globally, with increasing interest from both patients and healthcare providers because of their effectiveness in treating multiple obesity-related conditions.
India’s decision is expected to provide fresh hope for thousands of patients living with advanced fatty liver disease. As awareness of MASH continues to grow, healthcare professionals believe early diagnosis, timely treatment and lifestyle changes will remain the most effective strategy for preventing severe liver complications.
With Wegovy now approved for fatty liver disease, doctors have another evidence-based treatment option to address one of India’s fastest-growing lifestyle-related health challenges. The move is expected to improve patient care while reinforcing the importance of tackling obesity and metabolic disorders before they lead to serious long-term complications.
