Weight Loss Medications in Australia: What You Need to Know

Losing weight can be challenging, particularly when healthy eating and regular physical activity alone have not produced the results you are hoping for. For some people living with overweight or obesity, prescription weight loss medication may be an appropriate part of a medically supervised weight-management plan.

Weight loss medicines are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes. They are designed to work alongside nutrition, physical activity, behavioural strategies and regular medical review.

What are weight loss medications?

Weight loss medications are prescription medicines that can help reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, reduce food cravings or alter the way the body processes food.

The choice of medication depends on factors such as your BMI, medical history, existing health conditions, other medications, previous weight-loss attempts, potential side effects and personal preferences.

In Australia, several prescription medicines are approved for chronic weight management, including medicines from the GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 groups.

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications

Some of the most commonly discussed weight loss medicines include semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It can reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness and slow stomach emptying.

In Australia, Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or in adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition.

It is important not to confuse different brands containing the same active ingredient. For example, Ozempic is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works through two hormonal pathways involved in appetite and blood glucose regulation.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved in Australia for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist. Saxenda (liraglutide) is approved in Australia for chronic weight management. Unlike some newer treatments, liraglutide is administered daily rather than weekly.

Other weight loss medications

Not all weight loss medicines belong to the GLP-1 family. Depending on the individual circumstances, doctors may also consider medicines such as:

Phentermine – an appetite suppressant generally intended for short-term use.

Naltrexone/bupropion – may help reduce appetite and food cravings.

Orlistat – reduces the absorption of dietary fat.

The most appropriate treatment varies from person to person.

Who may benefit from weight loss medication?

Weight loss medication may be considered for adults with overweight or obesity when lifestyle measures alone have not achieved sufficient weight loss, particularly when excess weight is associated with health problems.

For example, obesity or excess weight may increase the risk of conditions such as:

Type 2 diabetes

High blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease

Sleep apnoea

Fatty liver disease

Joint problems

Other obesity-related health complications

• Eligibility depends on the particular medicine and your individual medical circumstances. For example, Wegovy's Australian indication includes adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or BMI 27 kg/m² to less than 30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
• What are the benefits?
• Weight loss medicines can make it easier for some people to maintain a reduced-calorie diet by reducing hunger and increasing fullness.
• Weight loss can also improve several health outcomes. Even a relatively modest reduction in body weight can have meaningful health benefits, particularly for people with obesity-related conditions. The TGA notes evidence that 5–10% weight loss can positively affect risks associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
• However, individual results vary. These medicines do not guarantee a particular amount of weight loss.
• What are the common side effects?
• Many weight loss medicines, particularly GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medicines, can cause gastrointestinal side effects.
• Common side effects may include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Abdominal discomfort

Reduced appetite

Bloating or indigestion

• Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits before treatment and monitor your response.
• These medicines can also slow stomach emptying. This is particularly important if you are having surgery or a procedure requiring general anaesthesia or deep sedation. You should tell your doctor, anaesthetist or other healthcare professional that you are taking a GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medicine.
• Important safety update
• In July 2026, the TGA updated safety information for GLP-1 receptor agonists regarding a rare but serious eye disorder called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause permanent visual impairment. The evidence and risk differ between individual medicines, so patients should discuss relevant symptoms and risks with their treating doctor.
• What happens when you stop weight loss medication?
• Weight loss medicines do not permanently cure obesity.
• After stopping treatment, appetite may increase again and some people may regain weight. For this reason, long-term weight management usually involves continuing healthy eating habits, physical activity and behavioural strategies, with ongoing medical support where appropriate.
• Your doctor can discuss whether treatment should be continued, changed or stopped based on your weight, health goals, response to treatment and any side effects.
• Are weight loss injections safe?
• Prescription weight loss medicines can be safe and effective when they are appropriately prescribed and monitored.
• However, they are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor may need to consider your medical history, current medications, previous illnesses, pregnancy plans, gastrointestinal health and other factors before prescribing treatment.
• Do not purchase injectable weight loss medicines from social media, overseas websites or unverified online sellers. The TGA has reported counterfeit and unregistered products claiming to contain GLP-1 medicines, some of which contained no GLP-1 medicine at all. Prescription medicines should be obtained through legitimate Australian healthcare and pharmacy channels.
• Weight loss medication should be part of a complete plan
• Medication is only one part of effective weight management.
• A comprehensive approach may include:

1. Medical assessment

2. Review of your current medications and health conditions

3. Nutrition and dietary advice

4. Regular physical activity

5. Behavioural and lifestyle support

6. Prescription medication when appropriate

7. Monitoring of weight, health and side effects

8. Regular follow-up with your healthcare professional

• There is no single medication that is best for everyone.
• Book a weight management consultation
• If you are struggling to lose weight despite making lifestyle changes, speak with a qualified Australian-registered doctor about your options.
• A doctor can assess your health and determine whether prescription weight loss medication may be appropriate for you. Treatment should be individualised, medically supervised and regularly reviewed.
• NewTeleDoc Medical provides telehealth consultations with Australian-registered doctors. A consultation can help assess your weight-management goals and whether further medical assessment or treatment may be appropriate.
• Important: Weight loss medications require medical assessment and are not appropriate for everyone. This article provides general information only and does not replace an individual consultation with a doctor. Medication availability, indications and safety information can change, so treatment decisions should be based on current Australian prescribing information and your individual circumstances.