‘Darr lag raha hai par fir bhi…’: Shark Tank India contestants pitch Ozempic-like pill to address diabetes and obesity; can it be considered safe yet? | Health News

Shark Tank India’s fourth season recently featured a pitch that left the ‘sharks’ divided. Entrepreneurs Sreeram Reddy Vanga, Kartikeya Kabra, and Dr Lalitha Palle, founders of the brand Moderate, introduced a pill they claim can help tackle diabetes and obesity reducing 40% of carbohydrates and calories from meals while also lowering post-meal sugar spikes. Their request? Rs 50 lakh for 1.25% equity, valuing the company at Rs 40 crore.
The product sparked both curiosity and concern among the investors. While Vineeta Singh admitted, “Darr lag raha hai par fir bhi mann kar raha hai khane ka” (I am scared but I still want to try it), others questioned the science behind the claims. 
Anupam Mittal grilled the founders on clinical trials, while Kunal Bahl asked if they were prepared for the intense scrutiny that comes with launching a product in a space as sensitive as metabolic health. Despite skepticism, Kunal and Aman Gupta ultimately struck a deal, investing Rs 1 crore for 5% equity. 
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But does the science hold up, and should consumers trust a pill that promises such transformative results?
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health special, tells , “Carb-blocking pills are designed to interfere with the digestion of carbohydrates. They typically contain ingredients that inhibit enzymes — such as alpha-glucosidase — in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. This, in turn, can lead to lower post-meal blood sugar levels and potentially reduce calorie absorption.” 
However, he adds that while enzyme inhibition is a scientifically valid mechanism, “the clinical evidence supporting significant weight loss or metabolic improvements from over-the-counter carb-blockers is limited.” In contrast, Dr Hiremath stresses that prescription medications like Ozempic, which is a GLP-1 receptor agon, have undergone rigorous clinical trials and work through mechanisms that include appetite suppression and enhanced insulin secretion. The claims made some supplement manufacturers about dramatic benefits are not fully backed robust, independent scientific studies.
Potential risks and side effects of using such a product long-term
Using carb-blocking pills over the long term may carry several risks. “Gastrointestinal side effects are among the most common, including bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, as the altered digestion process can durb the natural gut flora. There is also concern that long-term use might affect the absorption of other nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies. More serious, yet less well-documented, risks could involve unknown impacts on liver, kidney, or cardiovascular health, particularly if the product is used without proper medical supervision. Since many of these supplements lack extensive long-term clinical data, their safety profile remains uncertain, and potential risks may only become apparent with extended use,” notes Dr Hiremath. 
Importance of third-party clinical trials in determining the safety and efficacy of supplements
According to Dr Hiremath, third-party clinical trials are essential in evaluating any supplement, especially those making significant claims about improving metabolic health. Such trials, ideally well-designed, randomised, and placebo-controlled, provide independent validation that goes beyond manufacturer claims. They help determine whether the product actually delivers the promised benefits and clarify its safety profile over both the short and long term. Story continues below this ad
“For conditions as critical as diabetes and obesity, where patient outcomes and long-term health are at stake, relying on rigorous, unbiased clinical data is vital. Without these trials, consumers risk using products that may be ineffective or even harmful. Regulatory bodies and healthcare professionals depend on this independent evidence to make informed decisions, ensuring that any supplement recommended for metabolic health is both safe and effective,” the doctor concludes. 
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.