Reference summary of weight management options available in Australia. TGA indications, dose schedules, PBS status, MBS items, contraindications. For clinician use.

GLP-1 & GIP

Oral options

Bariatric surgery

Care plans & MBS

Assessment criteria

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Semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4mg)

Weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist

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TGA-indicated for weightNot PBS (weight)S4

TGA indication (Wegovy)Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

PBS statusNot PBS-listed for weight management. The PBAC recommended a future listing (November 2025) for a specific group — established cardiovascular disease and obesity, contingent on price negotiation — but it had not taken effect as of the PBS's own July 2026 status update; verify at pbs.gov.au. Ozempic (semaglutide) is PBS-listed for T2DM (with authority criteria) but must not be prescribed for weight loss under that listing.

Dose escalation

Weeks	Dose (weekly)
1–4	0.25 mg
5–8	0.5 mg
9–12	1.0 mg
13–16	1.7 mg
17+	2.4 mg (maintenance)

ContraindicationsPersonal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. MEN2 syndrome. Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy/breastfeeding.

CautionsHistory of pancreatitis. Severe GI disease. Diabetic retinopathy. Renal impairment (monitor if reduced eGFR + dehydration risk).

Common adverse effectsNausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, reflux. Usually dose-related; improve with titration.

Serious adverse effects to counselAcute pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain radiating to back — stop and investigate). Gallbladder disease. Hypoglycaemia if combined with sulfonylurea/insulin.

⚠️ Ozempic must not be prescribed for weight loss under the T2DM PBS listing. Use Wegovy on private script for weight indication.

Patient-facing GLP-1 guide → Patient GP-visit checker → Full GLP-1 prescribing guide →

Source: TGA Product Information (Wegovy), PBS Schedule (July 2026), PBAC advice on equitable access to GLP-1 obesity treatments (pbs.gov.au, Nov 2025 recommendation), STEP trial program.

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Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist

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TGA-indicated (T2DM + weight + OSA)Not PBS (any indication)S4

TGA indicationTGA-approved for type 2 diabetes; since September 2024, for chronic weight management (adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity) in adults with initial BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, OSA, CVD, pre-diabetes, or T2DM); and, since June 2025, for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity — the first medicine registered in Australia specifically for OSA, working via weight loss rather than a direct respiratory mechanism. Unlike Ozempic/Wegovy, this is one brand (Mounjaro) covering all three indications — there is no separate "Zepbound"-branded product in Australia.

OSA indication — cautionThe TGA approval is specifically for moderate-to-severe OSA (confirmed by sleep study), not mild OSA or unconfirmed snoring/sleepiness — RACGP commentary at the time of approval noted many patients GPs see with OSA symptoms won't meet that severity threshold. We could not confirm from public sources whether a different dose range applies for the OSA indication versus the weight-management indication — check the current Product Information.

PBS statusNot PBS-listed for any of the three indications. PBAC recommended a T2DM listing in March 2026, but Eli Lilly declined the government's offered listing conditions in April 2026 (its fourth submission) — citing price and funding-cap terms it considered unviable. All three indications currently require a private script.

Dose escalation

Weeks	Dose (weekly)
1–4	2.5 mg
5–8	5 mg
9–12	7.5 mg
13–16	10 mg
17–20	12.5 mg
21+	15 mg (maintenance)

Contraindications & cautionsSimilar to semaglutide: MTC/MEN2 history, pregnancy, severe GI disease.

Common adverse effectsNausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia. Dose-related.

⚠️ Not PBS-subsidised for either indication — cost is a genuine barrier regardless of clinical appropriateness. Confirm patient understands ongoing private cost before starting.

Patient-facing guide → Patient GP-visit checker → GLP-1 prescribing guide →

Source: TGA AusPAR (Mounjaro, Sept 2024); TGA prescription medicines registration record (Mounjaro, OSA indication added June 2025); newsGP/RACGP and Sleep Health Foundation coverage of the OSA approval; PBS Medicine Status document (current to 1 Jun 2026); Pharmacy Daily/AusDoc coverage of the April 2026 Eli Lilly PBAC decision; SURMOUNT trial program. Verified July 2026.

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Liraglutide (Saxenda) — discontinued

Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist

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Discontinued in Australia

StatusNovo Nordisk Australia advised (HCP letter, May 2025) that Saxenda would be in limited supply until December 2025 and would not be available for purchase in Australia after December 2025. The TGA Medicine Shortages Information database lists Saxenda (AUST R 225804) as Discontinued, deleted from market 19 Dec 2025.

NoteThe Novo Nordisk letter encourages healthcare professionals to discuss alternative treatments, including Wegovy 2.4 mg, with patients using Saxenda. Dosing information for Saxenda has been removed from this page.

Sources: Novo Nordisk Australia HCP letter, May 2025; TGA shortages database: liraglutide.

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Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)

Opioid antagonist + noradrenaline/dopamine reuptake inhibitor

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TGA-indicated for weightNot PBSS4

TGA indicationAdults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related comorbidity. Adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Dose escalation

Week	Morning	Evening
1	1 tab	—
2	1 tab	1 tab
3	2 tab	1 tab
4+	2 tab	2 tab

Each tablet = naltrexone 8mg / bupropion 90mg.

Absolute contraindicationsUncontrolled hypertension. Seizure disorder or predisposition. Anorexia/bulimia nervosa. Opioid use or opioid withdrawal. MAOIs within 14 days. Pregnancy/breastfeeding.

CautionsHistory of depression or suicidal ideation (bupropion component). Hepatic impairment. Renal impairment (dose reduction).

Common adverse effectsNausea, headache, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness.

⚠️ Screen for eating disorders, opioid use, and seizure history before prescribing.

Source: TGA Product Information (Contrave), COR trial program.

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Phentermine (Duromine)

Sympathomimetic amine appetite suppressant

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TGA-indicatedNot PBSS4

IndicationShort-term (up to 3 months) adjunct in obesity management, in patients where lifestyle alone insufficient. Long-term use not recommended.

Dose15 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg daily (morning). Start low, titrate to response.

ContraindicationsCardiovascular disease (CAD, arrhythmia, uncontrolled HTN, CCF). Hyperthyroidism. Glaucoma. History of substance use disorder. MAOIs within 14 days. Pregnancy.

CautionsMild hypertension. Anxiety, agitation. Diabetes on insulin/SU (hypoglycaemia risk). Elderly.

Adverse effectsInsomnia, dry mouth, tachycardia, elevated BP, palpitations, irritability, dependence potential with prolonged use.

⚠️ Baseline and follow-up BP, HR, cardiovascular assessment essential. Not for maintenance therapy.

Source: TGA Product Information (Duromine), RACGP guidance.

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Orlistat (Xenical)

Pancreatic lipase inhibitor

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TGA-indicatedNot PBS

AvailabilityXenical 120mg — Schedule 3 (pharmacist-only, over-the-counter). Alli 60mg — Schedule 3.

Dose120 mg with each main meal containing fat (up to 3 times daily). Reduce meal fat content to minimise GI side effects.

ContraindicationsChronic malabsorption syndrome. Cholestasis. Pregnancy/breastfeeding.

CautionsReduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (advise supplement). Interactions with ciclosporin, levothyroxine, warfarin, antiepileptics.

Adverse effectsSteatorrhoea, faecal urgency, oily spotting, flatulence with discharge — dose-related to fat intake.

Source: TGA Product Information (Xenical).

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Bariatric surgery — eligibility & MBS items

Sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y bypass, gastric band

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Standard eligibility (Australian consensus) BMI ≥40, or
BMI ≥35 with significant weight-related comorbidity (T2DM, OSA, MASLD/MASH, uncontrolled HTN, disabling arthropathy).
Age generally 18–65 (some centres older with careful selection).
Adequate trial of non-surgical management.
Suitable for surgery and lifelong follow-up (medical and psychological).

Relevant MBS items

Item	Procedure
31569	Sleeve gastrectomy — obesity, ≥1 comorbidity
31572	Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — obesity, ≥1 comorbidity
31575	Adjustable gastric band placement
31578	Revisional bariatric surgery

MBS items require BMI ≥35 with comorbidity, or BMI ≥40. Verify current item descriptors before referral.

Public pathwayState-based public bariatric services (limited). Long waitlists (2–5+ years). Free at point of care after gap.

Private pathwayPrivate health insurance with hospital cover including bariatric surgery. Out-of-pocket varies significantly ($3,000–$15,000+ depending on surgeon and hospital gap).

Pre-op workup (typical)Multidisciplinary team: bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist/physician, dietitian, psychologist. Sleep study (OSA), fasting bloods, ECG. Optimise comorbidities, nutritional status. Screen for eating disorders, alcohol use, mental health.

Post-op follow-up (GP role)Lifelong micronutrient supplementation (multivitamin, B12, iron, calcium/vitamin D, folate). Annual bloods (FBC, iron studies, B12, folate, vitamin D, PTH, LFTs). Weight monitoring. Screen for dumping syndrome, hypoglycaemia, alcohol use. Contraception counselling (fertility increases).

Full bariatric MBS guide → Patient-facing guide →

Source: MBS Book (March 2026, indexed July 2026), ANZMOSS guidelines, RACGP guidance.

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GP Care Plan (GPCCMP) — item 965

Chronic disease management + allied health

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EligibilityPatient has a chronic condition (present ≥6 months or terminal). Obesity itself, or associated conditions (T2DM, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, OSA, MASLD, osteoarthritis), qualify.

MBS item 965Preparation of GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. Schedule fee $160.60 (July 2026). Time-tiered — check current descriptor.

Allied health access via item 965Up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health services per calendar year (combined limit across all providers). Rebate ~$60 per visit; typical gap $10–40.

Weight-relevant allied health items

Item	Provider
10954	Dietitian
10953	Exercise physiologist
10960	Psychologist (via mental health referral, separate pathway)
10958	Physiotherapist

Review — item 967Review of GPCCMP. Same $160.60 fee. Recommended every 3–6 months.

Care plan billing guide →

Source: MBS Book (March 2026, indexed July 2026).

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40–49 Health Assessment

Diabetes risk evaluation, MBS item 701/703

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TriggerAUSDRISK ≥12 in patients aged 40–49. Free 30-minute health assessment.

ScopeCardiovascular risk, weight/waist, lifestyle, lipids, glucose. Opportunity to introduce weight management pathway.

40–49 assessment guide →

Source: MBS Book (March 2026).

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BMI thresholds & comorbidity criteria

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BMI classification (WHO)

BMI (kg/m²)	Classification
<18.5	Underweight
18.5–24.9	Healthy weight
25.0–29.9	Overweight
30.0–34.9	Obesity class I
35.0–39.9	Obesity class II
≥40.0	Obesity class III

Lower thresholds apply for Asian populations per WHO (overweight ≥23, obesity ≥27.5).

Weight-related comorbidities (typical listing)Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, MASLD/MASH, PCOS, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity hypoventilation, reflux, urinary incontinence.

Waist circumference thresholdsIncreased CV risk: men ≥94 cm, women ≥80 cm. Substantially increased risk: men ≥102 cm, women ≥88 cm. Ethnic variations apply.

Source: WHO, NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity, RACGP.

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Pre-treatment screening checklist

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HistoryOnset, weight trajectory, previous weight loss attempts (medical, surgical, commercial programs). Family history. Diet and physical activity patterns. Sleep. Mental health, eating disorder screening (SCOFF, DEB-Q).

MedicationsReview for weight-promoting medications (some antipsychotics, antidepressants, corticosteroids, insulin, sulfonylureas, beta-blockers, some antiepileptics).

ExaminationBP, weight, height, waist circumference. Signs of secondary causes (Cushing's, hypothyroidism, PCOS).

InvestigationsFBC, U&E, LFTs, TSH, HbA1c or fasting glucose, lipids, vitamin D, iron studies. Consider: cortisol screen if features. Sleep study if OSA symptoms. LFTs abnormal → MASLD workup.

Blood test explainer (patient link) →

Source: NHMRC guidelines, RACGP Red Book, ANZMOSS.

Patient-facing tool: Weight management options explorer →

ℹ️ Reference only. Not a substitute for TGA Product Information, PBS Schedule, RACGP guidance, or specialist consultation. Verify current PBS listings, MBS item descriptors, and TGA indications before prescribing or referring. Off-label prescribing requires informed consent documentation. Weight management is a complex clinical area — this reference summarises publicly available information for GP quick reference. Last reviewed July 2026.

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Weight Management Options (Patient Guide)

Share with patients — questions to ask their GP.

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Bariatric Surgery in Australia

Sleeve, bypass & band — eligibility and cost.

Weight Management Prescribing Reference