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In the age of social media and television cameras, appearance has become an increasingly important part of professional sport. And according to sources who spoke to CricBlogger, some Indian cricketers — including players involved in the IPL — have turned to weight-loss injections to achieve a slimmer, more athletic look — just like the Bollywood stars.
What is particularly concerning, sources claim, is that the trend is not restricted to senior players. Some youngsters are also believed to be experimenting with these drugs without necessarily having a medical requirement for them.
The fitness transformation of players such as Virat Kohli has, over the years, helped establish a new benchmark for athleticism in Indian cricket. Sources claim that some cricketers now feel compelled to maintain a similarly lean physique, prompting them to explore shortcuts to weight loss.
Among the drugs being discussed are GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. These medicines are primarily prescribed for diabetes and, in certain cases, for weight management. They are not risk-free, however, and their use should be based on medical advice rather than appearance alone.
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut after eating. GLP-1-based medicines can increase feelings of fullness, slow stomach emptying and influence insulin and blood-sugar regulation, thereby helping some patients lose weight.
“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,” a government doctor, who did not wish to be named, told CricBlogger.
Sources familiar with the practice claim that some users begin with a low dose and gradually increase it under supervision. Depending on the drug, dosage and brand, the monthly cost can run into several thousand rupees, with some treatments costing considerably more.
“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 claimed.
But medical experts caution that these medicines should not be treated as cosmetic shortcuts. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort and bloating, while more serious complications can occur in some patients.
For professional cricketers, there is another question that cannot be ignored: what happens when a drug meant for a specific medical purpose becomes a tool for maintaining an on-camera physique? As Indian cricket places increasing emphasis on fitness and physical conditioning, the pressure to look lean and athletic may be creating a new and potentially worrying trend — one that needs to be scrutinised.
