Weight loss programs: how to choose the right option in Australia
Why many Australians choose Qoctor for weight loss support
At Qoctor, we’re transparent about how our approach works, so people can decide whether it’s the right fit for them.
Many Australians value weight loss support that includes:
Doctor-led consultations with experienced Australian GPs
Video appointments as standard, in line with Australian telehealth guidance
Pay-as-you-go pricing, without subscriptions or lock-in contracts
Direct ePrescriptions, instantly to your phone or email
Live customer support, so questions can be answered in real time
However, other programs may suit different preferences – so, understanding how to choose a weight loss program can be helpful when starting out.
If you’re searching for weight loss programs, you’ll quickly notice there are more options than ever before – particularly online.
From app-based subscriptions to doctor-led telehealth services, weight loss programs in Australia vary widely in cost, structure, and level of medical involvement. This can make it challenging to know which approach is right for you.
This article focuses on how to think through your options, so you can choose a program that is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your health needs.
What counts as a weight loss program?
In Australia, the term weight loss program is used to describe a broad range of approaches, including:
Lifestyle-based programs focused on diet and exercise
Coaching or app-based programs
Medically supervised weight management
Telehealth weight loss services
Hybrid programs combining medication and lifestyle support
While these may sound similar, the experience — and level of care — can differ significantly.
Why the differences between weight loss programs matter
Weight management is not one-size-fits-all.
The right program depends on factors such as:
Your starting weight and health risks
Previous weight loss attempts
Whether medication may be appropriate
Your preference for structure versus flexibility
The level of medical oversight you’re comfortable with
Understanding how a program works is often more useful than how it’s marketed.
Doctor-led vs non-medical weight loss programs
Non-medical programs
Non-medical programs often focus on:
Nutrition education
Coaching or accountability
Digital tools and habit-building
They can be helpful for some people, but they may be limited in their ability to:
Assess medical risk
Prescribe medication
Order blood tests
Manage side effects or related health conditions
Doctor-led programs
Doctor-led weight loss programs can:
Assess suitability for medical treatment
Prescribe weight loss medication where appropriate
Monitor safety and side effects
Organise related care such as blood tests, sleep studies, or referrals
For people with obesity or weight-related health concerns, this level of oversight can be important.
Subscription models Vs pay-as-you-go
Weight loss programs in Australia may use different pricing models.
Some require:
Ongoing subscriptions
Bundled monthly fees
Minimum commitments
Others offer:
Pay-as-you-go consultations
Flexible review appointments
No long-term contracts
Before choosing a program, it’s worth understanding:
What’s included in the fee
Whether medication costs are separate
How easy it is to pause or stop care
Mode of care- video, phone or messaging
Not all telehealth weight loss programs operate the same way.
When considering a program, ask:
Will I speak directly with a clinician?
Is video used when appropriate?
How are follow-ups handled?
Real-time consultations are particularly important when medical decisions or prescriptions are involved.
What role should medication play in a weight loss program?
Medication is not necessary for everyone — and a good program should help you understand whether it’s appropriate for you.
For some people, medication can:
Help regulate appetite
Make lifestyle changes more achievable
Support improvements in weight-related health conditions
Medication works best when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, as part of a broader health plan.
How to decide which weight loss program is right for you
Rather than focusing on brand names, it can help to ask:
Is this program appropriate for my health profile?
Who will be responsible for my medical care?
How flexible is the structure if my needs change?
What follow-up and support are available?
Does the approach align with Australian medical standards?
Many people start by comparing cost or convenience, but long-term satisfaction also comes down to whether a program matches your medical needs and communication preferences.
Where Qoctor fits- some key takeaways
Qoctor (through our “Doctors for Weight Loss” service)- provides doctor-led telehealth care for Australians seeking structured, medically appropriate weight management.
Patients can access:
GP-led consultations
Video appointments
Flexible, pay-as-you-go care
- ePrescriptions
Ongoing medical oversight when needed
- Real time customer support
Our role is to support informed decision-making — whether medication is part of your plan or not.
Ready to find out more? Check out Doctors for Weight Loss by Qoctor today
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