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Prescription weight loss medications: A guide to GLP-1s

23.03.2026

So, you’ve probably heard about GLP-1s (GLP-1-agonist drugs) and might have some questions. In this article, we examine the latest research to explore how these medications work to treat obesity, as well as the lifestyle habits you can adopt to support long-term weight management and overall health and wellbeing.

What are GLP-1 medications and how do they work?

GLP-1s are a type of prescription medication designed to help overweight and obese people lose weight. They’re usually taken as a once-weekly injection and are most effective when used alongside a nutrition and exercise plan, and with guidance from a health professional.

As of late 2025, around half a million Australians were reported to be using one of these medications. Although GLP-1s were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, some have since been approved for weight management in Australia.

GLP-1 medications affect the hunger centres in the brain and work to:

control appetite and cravings
slow digestion to keep you fuller for longer after meals
help control blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas and reducing the release of glucagon from the liver.

In short, people on these medications are typically unable to eat as much as they used to, resulting in fewer calories consumed, which ultimately leads to weight loss.

Who can take them?

Whether or not GLP-1s are suitable for your individual circumstances depends on many different things. It's always best to check with your GP who will assess your eligibility and help you weigh up any risks and benefits.

A new approach to tackling obesity

If you’re overweight or obese, losing just 5% of your body weight can reduce markers of inflammation, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood glucose levels, all of which reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, and obesity is a significant risk factor. Studies have revealed overweight and obese people taking these drugs had an average 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.

Many people taking GLP-1s report reduced ‘food noise’ (frequent thoughts of eating), as they experience fewer cravings, so these drugs may help reduce binge eating episodes, particularly as people find they are unable to consume excessive amounts in one sitting. In saying this, they are not an approved treatment for binge eating disorder and could potentially pose further risks as they do not address the root cause of the behaviour.

In addition to reduced food cravings, some studies suggest that these medications may help treat other addictions, such as drug and alcohol. Although results have been mixed and further research is needed.

Risks and side effects

woman_having_stomach_ache

Before considering GLP-1s, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Your doctor can help weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual circumstances.

Muscle loss

Weight loss can occur rapidly while on these medications, and it’s not always just body fat that you’re losing. Studies show that up to 39% of total weight loss on GLP-1s is lean muscle mass.

Our muscle mass naturally declines as we age (at a rate of about 3-8% per decade from age 30 onwards), and accelerated muscle loss can impact our quality of life in several ways, including:

decreased joint stability and mobility
reduced bone density
increased risk of falls, fractures and injuries.

Muscle is not only essential for things like balance, movement and breathing, but also metabolic functions, including hormone release and fat metabolism. So, losing muscle mass will in turn slow down the metabolism, making weight regain more likely once people come off these medications. For this reason, strength training and adequate protein intake are important while taking a GLP-1.

Digestive symptoms

Because these drugs slow down the passage of food through the stomach, they can cause digestive symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux, particularly when first starting the medication. These are among the most common short-term side effects, which also include mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and fatigue.

Other risks and side effects

Although much less common, these medications may cause more serious side effects, including:

inflammation of the pancreas
stomach paralysis
gallstones
acute kidney damage
severe low blood sugar
intestinal blockages and more.

As mentioned, there is also potential for these drugs to be misused by people who may have an eating disorder, in an attempt to control their weight.

Suicidal ideation is also reported in rare cases by people using GLP-1s. This may be linked to slower absorption of certain medications, including some antidepressants. If you’re taking medications for mental health conditions, it’s important to discuss this with your GP before starting a GLP-1 medication.

Compounded versions and availability

In Australia, GLP-1s are available through a prescription from your doctor. They aren’t currently listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which means there is no subsidy. Some CBHS Extras covers include pharmaceutical benefits for drugs that are not listed on the PBS. That means eligible members can claim benefits on GLP-1s

Due to supply shortages, compounded (or ‘copycat’) versions of these drugs have increased in popularity. This is when specialised pharmacies create their own versions. It's important to be aware that these compounded drugs are not approved for use in Australia, meaning they haven’t been reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality, so may pose increased risks.

What happens if you stop taking them?

Obesity is a chronic, complex condition and these drugs don’t address the reasons people gained weight in the first place. While these medications are designed for long-term use, they're only effective while they’re being taken.

When you stop taking these drugs, the active ingredients take approximately five weeks to leave the body. This may lead to:

increased hunger levels – which may return to what they were before you started taking the medication.
blood sugar spikes – as the medication is no longer controlling the hormones released by the pancreas.
weight regain – which will most likely be in the form of fat, as it will be gained faster than skeletal muscle.

Some may also find their previous blood pressure and cholesterol levels return as they regain weight over the long term.

Research suggests that many people regain most of the weight lost, within several months of stopping these medications. Any muscle mass lost during the initial weight loss process makes it even harder to prevent weight gain.

This is why ongoing healthy lifestyle habits are key to helping prevent or at least slow weight regain.

Lifestyle matters

woman_doing_exercise

Whether or not you’re considering prescription weight loss medications like GLP-1s, when it comes to tackling obesity, the research is clear: healthy lifestyle habits are key to supporting long-term weight management and overall health and wellbeing. These include:

Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep daily
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and practising mindful eating
Daily movement, e.g. walking for at least 30 minutes a day, including short walks after meals
Strength training 2-3 times per week to build and maintain lean muscle (try this simple routine)
Stress-management techniques, like yoga, breathwork or journalling.

It can also be helpful to address any emotional or behavioural factors that may be influencing your eating habits. A qualified mental health professional may be able to support you with this.

Further reading:

Fuelling on GLP-1s, CBHS
Medicines containing GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, Therapeutic Goods Administration
WHO backs GLP-1 therapies for obesity, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Lifestyle interventions for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, Obesity Evidence Hub
What we're doing about overweight and obesity, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

All information contained in this article is intended for general information only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional. Treatment decisions, including whether any prescription medicine is appropriate, should be made with your treating clinician. Any information about benefits or cover is subject to your policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and claiming rules.

Sources:

https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/half-a-million-australians-are-taking-weight-loss-drugs-20251024-p5n4ya

https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/injectable-drugs-for-weight-management.html

https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-semaglutide-201030-pi.pdf

https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/04/04/ozempic-isnt-approved-for-weight-loss-in-australia-so-how-are-pe.html

https://www.obesityevidencehub.org.au/collections/impacts/health-benefits-of-weight-loss

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/health-for-every-heart?tab=2

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/may/14/weight-loss-drug-semaglutide-reduce-heart-attack-risk-study

https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/what-are-drugs-like-ozempic-doing-to-the-brains-of-people-that-binge-eat

https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/other-learning/eating-disorders-and-glp-1ra

https://florey.edu.au/news/2024/04/can-a-drug-like-ozempic-help-treat-addictions-to-alcohol-opioids-or-other-substances/

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(24)00272-9/abstract