With 6 TGA-approved options and rapidly evolving access rules, choosing the right weight loss medication can be overwhelming. Here's our assessment for 2026.
Best overall: Wegovy
Wegovy earns the top spot for its combination of strong clinical evidence (15–17% average weight loss), proven cardiovascular benefits (SELECT trial), and the upcoming PBS listing that will make it affordable for eligible patients. At $400–$460/month it's not cheap, but the value proposition is strong.
Best for maximum weight loss: Mounjaro
If sheer weight loss is your priority, Mounjaro's ~21% average puts it ahead of everything else. The dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism appears to produce superior results. At $350–$500/month with no PBS prospect, it's a premium choice.
Best budget option: Duromine
At ~$100/month for up to 12 weeks, Duromine offers the most affordable prescription option. It's not a long-term solution, but it can be an effective kickstart.
Best for emotional eating: Contrave
If your weight challenges are driven by cravings and reward-seeking eating, Contrave's unique mechanism targeting brain reward pathways may be more suitable than appetite-only suppressants.
Best OTC option: Xenical (orlistat)
Available without a prescription at the 60mg dose, orlistat is the most accessible option. Modest results (3–5%) but the cheapest and longest safety track record.
See all medication comparisons →
How we assessed
Our rankings consider four factors: clinical effectiveness (average weight loss), safety evidence (trial size and duration), cost accessibility (monthly price and PBS status), and tolerability (side effect rates and manageability). No single factor determines the ranking — it's the overall balance that matters.
What about the pipeline?
Several next-generation medications are in late-stage clinical trials that could reshape the landscape:
- Oral semaglutide (high-dose): Launched in the US. Could eliminate injection barriers. Australian timeline uncertain.
- Retatrutide (Eli Lilly): Triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon). Phase 3 trials showing ~24% weight loss — potentially surpassing Mounjaro.
- Survodutide (Boehringer Ingelheim): Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist. Phase 3 data pending.
- Orforglipron (Eli Lilly): Oral GLP-1 agonist. Could offer Mounjaro-class results in pill form.
None of these are available in Australia yet, but they signal that the next 2–3 years will bring even more effective and accessible options.