Frequently Asked Questions

If you're struggling to lose weight and keep it off, you're not alone.  Many Australians face challenges with weight management despite doing their best with diet and exercise. At our clinic, we offer medically supported weight loss programs, supervised by a qualified Nurse Practitioner, including the use of medications where clinically appropriate. These programs are designed for people who are ready to take a serious, evidence-based approach to managing their weight, with ongoing medical support. 

 No – currently, medications for weight loss are not PBS listed
 

You must pay full price. This can range from:

• A$300–700+ per month, depending on dose and pharmacy.
•  However, some private health insurance policies in Australia—particularly those with Extras cover—may provide partial reimbursement for non-PBS medications. This usually falls under a “pharmacy” or “non-PBS prescriptions” category. 

Yes. Most weight loss medications are prescription-only in Australia.

You must consult a:

• General Practitioner (GP), or
• Endorsed Nurse Practitioner (NP), or
• Obesity or endocrinology specialist

Weight loss varies, but on average:

• 10–22% body weight in 6–12 months
   

Effectiveness depends on:

• Dose escalation 
• Diet & lifestyle
• Medical conditions
• Medication choice

 Most common:

• Nausea, vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headache
• Reduced appetite
• Injection site irritation
   

Rare but serious:

• Gallstones 
• Pancreatitis
• Thyroid tumour risk (in animals – human risk unclear)

• Most medications are injectables, Self-administered via a pre-filled pen, once weekly or daily
• There are some oral tablet forms of weight loss medications as well
   

Training is provided by your prescriber or pharmacist.

Weight often returns after stopping. These drugs are typically used long-term for weight maintenance.

Discuss exit strategies or maintenance plans with your doctor or nurse practitioner:

• Tapering
• Switching to other therapies
• Ongoing diet/exercise support

 Usually not recommended for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with:
  • Personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
  • Severe GI disorders
  • History of pancreatitis