In Australia, some weight-loss medications overlap with diabetes treatments, but how and when they’re used depends heavily on the patient’s health profile and on medical supervision.

Some medicines originally developed for type 2 diabetes are now also approved for weight management in people without diabetes. These include the GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues).

These medications work by mimicking hormones that increase satiety (fullness) and slow gastric emptying, helping to reduce appetite and energy intake- hence weight-loss benefits even in non-diabetics.

For people with diabetes, the doses and PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidies are usually structured around diabetes indications, and not just obesity. Doctors need to tailor use carefully to avoid hypoglycaemia if combining with other diabetes medications.

For people without diabetes (weight management only):

• They may be prescribed the same drug  but under a different brand name and dosing regimen.
• These versions are indicated specifically for chronic weight management and not for blood glucose control.
• Currently, in Australia, some common weight loss injections are now TGA-approved but not yet PBS-listed for weight management– so they’re available privately at a higher cost and sometimes limited supply.

• Medical supervision is essential. For people with diabetes, weight-loss medication needs to be balanced with other glucose-lowering drugs to avoid hypoglycaemia or nutritional issues.
• Not all drugs suit both groups. For example, some stimulatory weight-loss drugs may be contraindicated in diabetics with hypertension or heart disease.
• Lifestyle modification remains foundational: diet, physical activity, and behavioural strategies still form the cornerstone, with medication as an adjunct.

All should be used under medical supervision, as suitability and safety depend on your overall health, other medications, and treatment goals.

Reference and further patient resources