If you live around the Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Hervey Bay and you’re struggling to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone, prescription weight-loss medications can help. In Australia these medicines are approved by the TGA and may suit people who meet criteria based on BMI and medical risk. They work best alongside a structured nutrition plan, more movement, sleep support, and—when needed—behavioural therapy.

Important: Availability and costs can change (PBS decisions and supply). Use this as a guide and speak with your GP, pharmacist, or our team for the latest.

GLP-1 medicines

Semaglutide (Wegovy®) — weekly injection

How it works: Mimics GLP-1 to reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, and improve insulin signalling.
Who it’s for: Adults with obesity (or overweight plus weight-related conditions) who can commit to ongoing injections and lifestyle changes.

Pros

  • Among the most effective meds for weight loss (often ~10–15% body weight with program support).

  • Weekly dosing; many people report less “food noise”.

Cons

  • Nausea, reflux, constipation/diarrhoea early on; needs slow dose titration.

  • Rare risks (gallbladder issues, pancreatitis); not for certain endocrine tumour histories.

  • Supply can be tight; not generally PBS-subsidised for obesity.

  • Weight usually returns if stopped without a maintenance plan.

Liraglutide (Saxenda®) — daily injection

Pros: Proven loss (~5–10%); option when weekly semaglutide isn’t available.
Cons: Daily injections; similar GI effects; access can fluctuate.

Dual GIP/GLP-1

Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) — weekly injection

Pros: Strongest average losses in trials (~15–22% with program support); weekly dosing.
Cons: Similar GI effects during titration; availability/rollout in AU is staged; usually not PBS-subsidised for obesity.

Appetite suppressants / combo tablets

Phentermine (Duromine® and others) — capsule

Pros: Can kick-start early loss (~5–10% over 3 months) under supervision; once-daily.
Cons: Can raise HR/BP, cause insomnia/anxiety/dry mouth; short-term use only; not suitable with some cardiac/thyroid/psychiatric conditions or pregnancy.

Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®) — tablet

Pros: Helps with cravings/emotional eating; non-injectable; ~5–8% average loss.
Cons: Nausea/headache/insomnia early; avoid with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure risk, certain meds, or pregnancy; usually not PBS-subsidised for obesity.

Lipase inhibitor

Orlistat (Xenical®) — capsule

Pros: Works in the gut (non-systemic); modest extra loss (~3–5%) with a low-fat diet.
Cons: Oily stools/urgency/flatulence if fat intake is high; reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) — may need supplements.

Off-label situations you might hear about (doctor-directed only)

  • Ozempic® (semaglutide for diabetes): indicated for type 2 diabetes, not obesity; supply has been restricted for non-diabetes use.

  • Topiramate (± phentermine): sometimes used off-label—careful monitoring needed (mood, cognition, pregnancy prevention).

  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): for binge-eating disorder (BED), not a weight-loss drug; may reduce binges when BED is the key issue.

Medications vs Bariatric Surgery: Which is better?

Medications can deliver ~5–22% average weight loss, depending on the drug and adherence. Bariatric surgery—such as a gastric sleeve—typically results in ~25–35% (or more) total body-weight loss at 1–2 years, with stronger durability for diabetes remission and metabolic risk reduction. The best outcomes come from the right tool at the right time—sometimes starting with medication, sometimes moving to surgery when weight-related disease is significant, or using medication after surgery to maintain results. Learn more in our Weight-Loss Surgery overview.

Choosing what’s right for you (SE QLD focus)

  • Your health profile matters: heart history, BP, reflux, gallbladder, mental health, fertility plans and current medicines all influence the safest choice.

  • Expect a gentle start: injectables need slow dose ramps to minimise nausea.

  • Plan for maintenance: results fade if a med is stopped without ongoing nutrition, activity and follow-up.

Local to us? We see patients from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Hervey Bay. We’ll review your history, check eligibility, discuss costs/availability, and map out a plan that fits your life—medication, surgery, or both.

Book a consultation

Prefer an evidence-based plan and clear expectations? Contact us to book at your nearest clinic:
Gold Coast • Brisbane • Hervey Bay