Australia has a small number of medicines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for weight management. The newer injectable GLP-1 medicines get most of the attention, but none of them are currently subsidised for weight loss. This page sets out what is approved, how it is funded and where to read more. It is general information only: whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for you and your prescribing doctor.
This topic is also in our free guide, The Weight-Loss Medication Guide. Get it emailed to you
What is approved for weight management in Australia
- Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weekly injection registered for chronic weight management in adults and in adolescents aged 12 and over. In December 2024 the TGA also approved it to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart or blood vessel disease and a BMI of 27 or more who do not have diabetes (RACGP newsGP; Wegovy CMI).
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weekly injection. The TGA extended its approval to chronic weight management in September 2024, for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition (RACGP newsGP).
- Ozempic (semaglutide) is approved for type 2 diabetes only. It is not approved for weight management; Wegovy is the semaglutide product approved for that purpose (healthdirect).
- Saxenda (liraglutide) has been discontinued. The manufacturer advised it would no longer be available for purchase in Australia after December 2025 (Novo Nordisk).
- Orlistat is a Pharmacist Only medicine that works in the gut rather than on appetite hormones (healthdirect). Phentermine is a prescription medicine approved only as a short-term addition to a medically supervised weight-reduction program (healthdirect).
Are they on the PBS?
No. healthdirect states that medicines prescribed for weight loss are not currently covered by Medicare (healthdirect). The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended a narrow Wegovy listing for people with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 35 or more, but as of October 2026 that listing has not occurred and a revised submission is due at the November 2026 PBAC meeting (PBS medicine status; PBAC advice). Mounjaro is not PBS-listed for any use; the manufacturer declined a recommended diabetes listing in April 2026 (RACGP newsGP).
Compounded versions are banned
Since 1 October 2024, Australian pharmacists have not been permitted to compound any medicine containing a GLP-1 receptor agonist, whatever the dosage form (TGA). Products sold as compounded or “replica” versions are outside that law. For other products marketed for weight loss, see wraps, creams and devices.
Read more in this section
- How GLP-1 weight-loss medicines work: the hormones involved, appetite and stomach emptying.
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy: what the SURMOUNT-5 trial found: the first head-to-head study, and its limits.
- Side effects of weight-loss injections: what the product information and trials report.
- What happens when you stop weight-loss medication: the regain data and why it matters.
- Muscle loss on weight-loss medication: what the DEXA studies show and how to protect muscle.
- New weight-loss medicines coming: medicines in late-stage trials overseas.
- Weight-loss injections and surgery: what to tell your surgeon and anaesthetist.
- Weight-loss injections and your skin: why rapid loss can leave loose skin.
Where to next
Decisions about starting, continuing or stopping any medicine belong with your prescribing doctor. If your weight has settled and loose skin is now the main concern, take the readiness assessment or book a consultation with Dr Kumar.
Sources
- healthdirect: Weight loss medicine (reviewed March 2026)
- RACGP newsGP: Wegovy approved for cardiovascular disease
- Wegovy Consumer Medicine Information (July 2026)
- RACGP newsGP: Mounjaro expanded to include weight management
- RACGP newsGP: Mounjaro manufacturer rejects PBS recommendation (April 2026)
- PBS: Medicine status, semaglutide (Wegovy)
- PBAC: Advice on equitable access to GLP-1 obesity treatments
- Novo Nordisk: Saxenda discontinuation letter (May 2025)
- healthdirect: Xenical (orlistat)
- healthdirect: Phentermine
- TGA: Compounding of GLP-1 receptor agonists