Medical Weight-loss Treatment : Patient Information

How to Medical Weight-loss Treatments Work?

Medical interventions which support metabolic health by:

  • Reducing appetite and food intake

  • Enhancing insulin sensitivity

  • Slowing gastric emptying

  • Promoting sustainable weight loss

They are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and are also prescribed for weight management in medically eligible patients.

Who May Be Eligible?

Medically supervised weight loss treatments are not cosmetic treatments and are not prescribed for general weight loss or aesthetic purposes. Eligibility is based on established clinical criteria.

You may be eligible if you meet one of the following:

  • Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or

  • BMI ≥27 kg/m² with one or more weight-related comorbidities, such as:

    • Hypertension

    • Dyslipidaemia

    • Obstructive sleep apnoea

    • Insulin resistance or prediabetes

    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

    • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

    • Increased cardiovascular risk

    • Musculoskeletal injuries exacerbated/perpetuated by excessive weight

How We Assess Suitability

Before therapy, a complete medical work-up is required to ensure safety and clinical appropriateness.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

  • BMI, waist circumference, and metabolic risk factors

  • Diet, physical activity, and past attempts at weight loss

  • Review of current medications and medical conditions

2. Blood and Diagnostic Testing

  • Fasting glucose and HbA1c

  • Kidney and liver function

  • Thyroid function

  • Lipid profile

  • Pregnancy test if applicable

  • ECG if cardiovascular risk is high

3. Contraindications Are Screened

The treatments available are not recommended for patients with:

  • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma

  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)

  • History of pancreatitis or significant gastrointestinal disease (e.g. gastroparesis)

Benefits

When medically indicated and used as part of a supervised program, medications can support:

  • Sustained weight loss (clinical studies show 10–20% in some patients)

  • Reduced appetite and food cravings

  • Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control

  • Lower blood pressure and improved lipid profiles

  • Enhanced energy, mobility, and quality of life

These outcomes are best achieved when therapy is combined with nutrition counselling, physical activity, and behavioural support.

Risks and Side Effects

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Bloating

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

These are often dose-related and improve with gradual titration.

Serious or Rare Risks

  • Acute pancreatitis

  • Gallbladder disease (e.g. cholelithiasis)

  • Hypoglycaemia (in diabetics using insulin/sulfonylureas)

  • Potential thyroid effects (based on animal studies; human risk unclear)

All patients are monitored closely during treatment.

Treatment and Monitoring Plan

Treatment begins with a low starting dose, slowly increased over several weeks to minimise gastrointestinal symptoms.

Monitoring includes:

  • Weight and waist circumference

  • HbA1c, glucose, and lipids

  • Liver and kidney function

  • Side effect tracking and adherence review

Treatment is reviewed every 2–3 months during dose titration, then monitored regularly during maintenance.

Regulatory and Ethical Prescribing

We prescribe in accordance with:

  • AHPRA advertising and prescribing guidelines

  • Clinical guidelines for the management of obesity and metabolic disease

We do not prescribe :

  • For cosmetic weight loss

  • For general appetite suppression without medical indication

  • Without appropriate medical and laboratory assessment

TGA Justification Criteria

When prescribing weight loss treatments…

  • The patient has BMI ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities

  • The patient has failed to achieve sustained weight loss with lifestyle intervention alone

  • The patient is not eligible for bariatric surgery or has declined it

  • The treatment is clinically justified to reduce long-term metabolic risk

  • The use of the medicine is supervised and reviewed by a qualified medical practitioner

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring whether a prescribed medical weight-loss therapy is appropriate for your situation:

  1. Book a consultation – your doctor will assess your health, goals, and eligibility

  2. Complete medical testing – to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate

  3. Discuss treatment options – including risks, benefits, and lifestyle integration

We are committed to delivering safe, evidence-based care to patients seeking long-term improvements in health and metabolic wellbeing.