Medical Weight Loss in Australia:
Could a Weight Loss Injection Help You?
Losing weight and keeping it off is one of the most common health goals Australians set — and one of the most difficult to achieve through diet and exercise alone. For many people, excess weight is influenced by genetics, hormones, and metabolism in ways that make sustained weight loss genuinely challenging without medical support.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, which were found to also produce significant weight loss. They work by:
- Slowing gastric emptying so food stays in the stomach longer and you feel full sooner
- Reducing appetite signals in the brain
- Stabilising blood sugar levels after meals
- Reducing cravings, particularly for high-calorie foods
Medications Available in Australia
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)
Weekly injection. Ozempic is TGA-approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is the higher-dose version approved for weight management.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
Dual-action GLP-1 and GIP agonist. Approved for type 2 diabetes in Australia with trials showing exceptional weight loss outcomes.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Daily injection. An earlier GLP-1 medication approved specifically for weight management in Australia.
Book a telehealth consultation to discuss your options with an e-Doctor clinician.
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
Clinical trials have shown impressive results. Participants using semaglutide (Wegovy) lost an average of 15–17% of their body weight over 68 weeks combined with lifestyle changes. Tirzepatide trials showed some participants losing over 20% of body weight.
Individual results vary depending on the medication, dose, diet, exercise habits, and individual biology. These medications work best as part of a comprehensive programme that includes dietary guidance and regular physical activity.
Who Is Eligible?
Medical weight loss medications are generally indicated for adults who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or above (obese), OR
- Have a BMI of 27 or above (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
These medications are not appropriate for everyone. Your doctor will assess your full medical history before recommending treatment and are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and typically occur when starting treatment or increasing the dose:
- Nausea (most common, usually temporary)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Constipation or heartburn
Most people find these manageable and they often subside within a few weeks. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and increase gradually to minimise discomfort.
How to Access Treatment in Australia
- Book a telehealth consultation — no referral required with e-Doctor
- Medical review — your doctor reviews your health history, weight, and goals
- Prescription — if suitable, a treatment plan and prescription are issued
- Ongoing support — regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust dosing
