The Australian weight loss medication landscape has changed dramatically since 2024. Here's a comprehensive update covering everything from new approvals to regulatory changes.
What changed in 2024–2025
- August 2024: Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) TGA-approved for weight management in Australia
- October 2024: Off-label Ozempic prescriptions for weight loss restricted
- October 2024: Compounded GLP-1 medications banned by the TGA
- December 2025: Saxenda (liraglutide) discontinued by Novo Nordisk
What happened in early 2026
- January 2026: PBAC recommended Wegovy for PBS listing (BMI ≥35 + CVD)
- January 2026: Oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill) launched in the US — not yet in Australia
- Price negotiations for PBS Wegovy are underway with no confirmed date
Current state of play
As of April 2026, Australians have 5 TGA-approved weight loss medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Duromine, Contrave, Xenical) with one restricted for weight loss (Ozempic) and one discontinued (Saxenda). None are PBS-subsidised specifically for weight management, though Wegovy's listing is pending.
The biggest barriers remain cost ($350–500/month for the most effective options) and access (not all GPs are comfortable prescribing GLP-1 medications). Telehealth providers have filled the access gap but add to the cost.
What to expect next
- Wegovy PBS listing finalisation (date uncertain, could be 2026)
- Potential broader PBS criteria if initial listing proves cost-effective
- Oral semaglutide TGA submission expected in 2026–2027
- New molecules in late-stage trials (orforglipron, survodutide, retatrutide)
Browse all medications → · PBS guide →
State of the market: April 2026
The Australian weight loss medication market has matured rapidly. Key observations:
- Telehealth dominance: An estimated 60–70% of new weight loss medication prescriptions now originate through telehealth rather than traditional GP visits. The convenience and specialisation of online providers has shifted prescribing patterns.
- Price competition: With 10+ telehealth providers competing, monthly medication costs have stabilised. Subscription models (Juniper, Hub Health) compete on bundled value; pay-per-consult models (Qoctor, InstantScripts) compete on flexibility and low upfront costs.
- GLP-1 dominance: Mounjaro and Wegovy now account for the majority of new weight loss prescriptions. Older medications (Duromine, Contrave, Xenical) remain relevant but are increasingly seen as complementary or transitional options.
- Regulatory stabilisation: The Ozempic off-label ban and compounding ban are settled policy. The market has adjusted to operate within these constraints.
The big question: when will PBS listing happen?
The Wegovy PBS listing is the single most significant pending development. If listed at the recommended criteria (BMI ≥35 + CVD), approximately 100,000–200,000 Australians would be immediately eligible. The broader question — whether PBS criteria will eventually expand to include obesity without CVD — will depend on the initial listing's cost-effectiveness data and government budget priorities.