By Team Ayurved Sutra
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Ayurveda gains attention as weight-loss alternative in India
As global pharmaceutical companies introduce weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro into India, Ayurveda continues to attract individuals seeking a more holistic approach to weight management and overall wellness.
While these medications target weight loss directly, Ayurvedic practices focus on improving digestion, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits, with weight reduction often described as a secondary outcome.
Market growth and institutional expansion
India’s Ayurvedic products market crossed ₹1 lakh crore in 2025 and is projected to grow at over 15 percent annually, according to IMARC. Institutional support has also expanded since the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014.
Government data indicates the addition of more than 755,780 registered AYUSH practitioners, 3,885 hospitals with over 62,000 beds, and 12,500 wellness centres across the country.
Parallelly, India’s wellness tourism market was valued at approximately ₹2.87 lakh crore in 2026 and is expected to reach ₹4.05 lakh crore by 2031, according to a report by Modor Intelligence. South India, particularly regions such as Kerala, accounted for nearly half of this market in 2025, driven by Ayurveda-focused travel.
A holistic approach to weight loss
Practitioners highlight that Ayurveda addresses the root causes of weight gain rather than focusing solely on calorie reduction.
Dr Partap Chauhan, founder of Jiva Ayurveda, said, “A lot of people come to us for weight loss after having tried everything else.” He added that emotional stress or trauma can be a major contributing factor, noting, “Around 30 to 40 percent of people coming for weight loss do not overeat.”
Dimple Jangda, who runs Prana Healthcare Centre, described weight loss as a multi-step process: “It is nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise and habits working together.” She added that only a small percentage of her patients seek weight loss directly, with many addressing conditions such as PCOS, diabetes, and digestive issues.
At the Kailash Institute of Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Yoga, programmes combine traditional diagnostics with clinical markers like BMI and thyroid function. Patients reportedly experience improvements in digestion and energy alongside gradual weight loss.
No quick fixes, long-term lifestyle changes
Experts caution against expecting rapid results. Chauhan noted that short-term programmes may offer relaxation but do not address underlying causes, adding that sustained treatment over seven to ten days or longer is often necessary.
Patients also report that benefits extend beyond weight. A participant in a 30-day online programme described improvements in digestion, sleep, and reduced cravings, with weight loss occurring gradually. Others noted that Ayurvedic routines increased awareness of food and lifestyle habits, even when immediate weight changes were limited.
Programmes can range from weekend retreats to multi-week residential treatments, with costs varying widely. A 15-day programme in Kerala, for example, was reported to cost around ₹4 lakh, including therapies and accommodation.
Rising demand for Ayurvedic products
Companies such as Kapiva and Ayuvya are tapping into demand for herbal formulations targeting metabolism and digestion.
Dr R Govindarajan of Kapiva said, “Obesity is not just about how much you eat. It is linked to metabolism, genetics and lifestyle.” Products such as herbal juices and supplements are marketed as supporting weight management through metabolic balance.
However, concerns remain around misleading claims. The Advertising Standards Council of India flagged 233 misleading health-related advertisements in 2024–25, many involving exaggerated or unverified claims.
Regulatory frameworks such as the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act prohibit claims of curing obesity, yet enforcement challenges persist. Instances of fraudulent products and penalties against companies have also been reported.
Conclusion
As pharmaceutical weight-loss treatments expand in India, Ayurveda continues to position itself as a long-term, lifestyle-driven alternative. Its emphasis on holistic health, combined with growing consumer interest and market expansion, reflects a broader shift toward integrated wellness approaches rather than quick fixes.
