Weight Loss Medications

What are Weight Loss Medications?


Weight Loss/Anti-Obesity Medications have been available in Australia and throughout the world for several decades.


These medications including oral and injectable medications work in different ways to reduce or control your appetite.


In Australia, Anti-Obesity Medications can be prescribed by doctors such as General Practitioners, Endocrinologists, Bariatric Physicians and Bariatric Surgeons.


Anti-Obesity Medications (GLP1 Agonist) may be prescribed by a doctor when a patient has the following:

 

  • BMI>27 with comorbidities
  • BMI>30 with no comorbidities
  • Not a candidate for surgery
  • Preoperatively for BMI>60
  • Within 3 months prior to Weight Loss Surgery if not on expected weight loss curve
  • Weight regain post Weight Loss Surgery


Your Doctor will choose which medication may be most suitable for you. As with most medications, there are some potential side effects that may vary depending on yourself and on the product.


Most Anti-Obesity Medications are not PBS listed and carry a significant cost.


As with most medications, the effect of the Anti-Obesity Medication wears off once the medication has ceased.


What are the different types of Weight Loss Medications?

There are different types of Weight Loss Medications available. Some medications are in an oral tablet form and some are in an injectable form.


Oral Tablets:

These Medications are taken in an oral tablet form and work in different ways according to the particular medication. Generally, these medications reduce a patient's appetite and may reduce cravings.

  • Duromine
  • Topiramate
  • Contrave
  • Metformin


Injectables (GLP1 Agonist):

These injectable medications mimic certain GUT Hormones (Hormone GLP1) that control appetite and how we feel when we eat. They often cause patients to snack less and eat smaller portions.

  • Trulicity 
  • Saxenda
  • Ozempic
  • Wegovy
  • Mounjaro   


What Weight Loss Medications to use for:


Hunger Control & Portion Control :

GLP1 Agonist Medications such as:

  • Saxenda
  • Ozempic
  • Wegovy
  • Mounjaro


Snacking and Craving:

  • Contrave Oral Tablet


Sweet Craving and Fatigue:

  • Phentermine Oral Tablet


Sweet Craving and Headaches:

  • Topiramate Oral Tablet


Weight Regain from Mental Health Medications:

  • Metformin Oral Tablet