Weight loss medication – telehealth appointments.

Medications can be used in the context of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when weight-management is part of the care plan. The options should be considered along with lifestyle and tailored to the individual. For example, insulin-sensitising treatment (such as Metformin) may be used in people with PCOS who have high metabolic risk, and “anti-obesity drugs” (such as GLP-1 agonists) may be considered in addition to diet and exercise. It’s important to emphasise that the first-line approach is lifestyle (diet, exercise, behavioural support), and medications are adjunctive, dependent on each person’s symptoms, weight status, fertility goals and overall health.

Further patient information

dietitiansaustralia.org.au

You should  rotate your injection sites when using any weight loss medication injection. Repeatedly injecting in the same spot can cause irritation, bruising, lumps, or scarring under the skin, and may also affect how well the medicine is absorbed. Most weight loss injections are given subcutaneously (under the skin) — usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. To prevent skin problems and ensure consistent absorption, it’s best to inject in a different spot each time within the same area (for example, move 2–3 cm away from the last injection site).

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can show you the correct technique and help plan a safe rotation schedule.

References and Further Patient Info

• The Mayo Clinic – How to give an injection

• Diabetes Australia – Injection technique tips

The side effects of weight loss drugs vary depending on the medication, but the most common are digestive symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. Some people may also experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or mild increases in heart rate. Injectable medications can cause temporary injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Rare but more serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or mood changes, which need prompt medical attention. Most side effects improve as your body adjusts, especially if the dose is increased gradually under medical supervision. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any new or severe symptoms.

References and Further Patient Info

Healthdirect Australia – Weight loss medicines

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Weight loss products and safety

Weight loss medication Rx” means prescription-only weight loss medication. The “Rx” symbol comes from the Latin word recipe, meaning “to take,” and it’s used to indicate that a medicine can only be supplied with a doctor’s prescription. In other words, these are treatments that require medical assessment and supervision, rather than over-the-counter products you can buy directly from a pharmacy. They are typically prescribed when lifestyle changes alone haven’t been effective, and when it’s medically appropriate to support weight management under professional guidance.

Find out more at www.doctorsforweightloss.com.au

The cost of weight loss medications in Australia can vary widely depending on the type (e.g., prescription vs over-the-counter), dosage, pharmacy, and whether it’s subsidised for a related condition like type 2 diabetes. As of November 2025, these are not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) specifically for weight management or obesity, so most patients pay the full private price. Based on current market estimates, here’s a breakdown:

Prescription Weight Loss Medications

These require a doctor’s assessment and script, and are typically used for adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities). Monthly costs often range from $100 to $600.

• Oral appetite suppressants or combination therapies: Around $80–$250 per month for a standard supply.
• Injectable hormone-based therapies (e.g., weekly or daily doses mimicking gut hormones): Typically $130–$500 per month, with higher-end options for advanced dual-action formulas reaching $300–$600. Starter packs or pens can add initial costs.
• Factors affecting price: Brand vs generic (where available), quantity prescribed, and location (e.g., urban pharmacies may offer discounts). Supply shortages for popular injectables can drive up prices or lead to unavailability.
• Subsidies for comorbidities: If prescribed for type 2 diabetes (not just weight loss), some options may qualify for PBS subsidies, reducing costs to $30–$40 per script for eligible concession card holders or around $40–$100 for general patients. However, this doesn’t apply to pure weight management use.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Weight Loss Medications

These are available without a prescription at pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse and focus on fat absorption reduction. Expect to pay $50–$100 per month for a typical course, though effectiveness is generally lower (2–9% weight loss) compared to prescriptions. Side effects like gastrointestinal issues can influence ongoing use.

Additional Considerations

• Total out-of-pocket expenses: Factor in consultation fees (e.g., $50–$100 for a GP or telehealth visit) and any monitoring tests. Long-term use (recommended for sustained results) can add up to $1,200–$7,200 annually.
• Affordability barriers: AJGP highlights that high costs limit access for many Australians, with calls for expanded PBS coverage. Private health insurance rarely covers these medications.
• Value and effectiveness: While costs are significant, studies show 5–20% weight loss possible with prescriptions when combined with lifestyle changes, potentially offsetting health expenses from obesity-related issues.
• Variations by pharmacy: Shop around—online pharmacies or bulk buys may offer 10–20% savings. Prices can fluctuate with inflation or global supply (e.g., injectables have seen increases due to demand).

For exact quotes tailored to your needs, including any potential subsidies, book an online consultation at Doctors for Weight Loss powered by Qoctor (www.doctorsforweightloss.com.au). Our doctors can discuss options based on your health profile and provide scripts if appropriate, helping you navigate costs effectively.

If opting for an online option, simplest  and safest way is to speak to a trusted doctor via telehealth and then if they issue you an electronic prescription, you just take that to your local pharmacy. That way you can also speak to your pharmacist about how to use the medication and any other questions, and ensure you receive the correct product.

However if you decide to also use an online pharmacy to deliver your medication, here’s a simple checklist to help you safely verify whether they are legitimate:

Safety checklist for using an online pharmacy to deliver your meds

1. Requires a valid prescription

A genuine Australian pharmacy will always ask for a prescription for any “Rx” (prescription-only) medication. If a website offers to sell prescription drugs without a prescription — or claims to issue one instantly without a proper consultation — it’s a red flag.

2. Displays Australian registration details

Check that the pharmacy lists an Australian street address, ABN, and registration number with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. You can verify this on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.

3. Uses an Australian domain and secure website

Legitimate services usually end in “.com.au” and use HTTPS (look for the padlock symbol in your browser).

Avoid sites that seem to be overseas or have unclear contact details.

4. Lists medicines registered with the TGA

The product should be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and appear on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

You can search for it here: www.tga.gov.au

5. Offers professional support

Reputable services provide access to a qualified Australian doctor or pharmacist for questions or follow-up. They should offer clear instructions, side effect information, and monitoring advice.

Warning signs of fake or unsafe sites

• No prescription required
• Claims to sell “miracle” or “natural” prescription-strength products
• Prices that are far lower than normal
• No Australian contact information or regulatory details
• Offers to ship from overseas

So, in summary, yes, you can legally get weight-loss medication online in Australia, but only through an approved telehealth or pharmacy service that operates under Australian law. Always check that the service is AHPRA-registered, the medication is TGA-approved, and a proper prescription is required.

Further resources:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/buying-medicines-online

This is a common question that patients ask their GPs. If we measure “best” simply by the amount of weight lost, then hormone-based injectables (GLP-1 agonists) generally show the highest efficacy (15-20% loss) for sustained results. Due to Australian law, we’re not allowed to name specific medications here- but these can be discussed during your consultation with a doctor.

However the best weight loss medication for an individual depends on a few additional factors:

• your medical history
• potential contraindications (e.g. family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia, history of pancreatitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
• side effects you may experience

Our medical team at Doctors for Weight Loss can help identify the most effective option for you.

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

You can obtain some weight‐loss medications or aids in Australia that don’t require a full doctor’s prescription (for example pharmacist-only ones).

One example: Orlistat has been available in Australia as a “pharmacist only medicine” (Schedule 3) in some forms, meaning you do not need a full doctor’s prescription, but you do need to go via a pharmacist.

There are also many supplements and products marketed in pharmacies over the counter (OTC) for weight-loss- however these are very different from prescription medicines in terms of  evidence of effectiveness and regulation.

The more proven, effective medications for weight management do require a prescription and careful monitoring.

OTC doesn’t mean “no risk” or “guaranteed effective”.

If you’re thinking about going down this path, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist) to check suitability, safety and evidence.

To get prescribed weight loss medication in Australia, you’ll generally need to consult a doctor who will assess your BMI, medical history, and lifestyle factors. 

For GLP-1 agonists (weight loss injections), you may qualify for medical weight loss injections if your BMI is >30 kg/m²  ( or >27kg/m² with obesity related health conditions such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, PCOS etc). 

Telehealth options can work well, provided you have a proper consultation with the doctor via phone or video call. You may need to have blood tests and sometimes you’ll be advised to also see a dietitian, physio or other healthcare professionals, depending on your needs.

References and further patient information

https://mydr.com.au/nutrition-weight/weight-loss-medication/

Weight loss medication refers to prescription or over-the-counter drugs that assist in managing overweight or obesity by helping reduce body weight, when combined with healthy eating and physical activity. These can target appetite, fat absorption, and/or metabolic hormones. 

In Australia, the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications are GLP-1 agonists, which are recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² with conditions related to overweight (such as osteoarthritis, PCOS, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). They’re an adjunct to lifestyle changes, not a standalone fix. At Doctors for Weight Loss (powered by Qoctor), our online doctors can assess if this treatment is right for you.

Reference and further patient resources

https://mydr.com.au/nutrition-weight/weight-loss-medication/

https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/medicines-for-long-term-obesity-management.html