If you’ve recently started hearing more about GLP-1 medications in the news, at your local chemist, or from friends who are on a health journey, you’re not alone. These tiny hormones — and the medications that mimic them — are making a big impact in the world of weight management and type 2 diabetes care.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you've already been prescribed a GLP-1 by your doctor, this blog post will help you understand what they are, how they work, what brands are available in Australia, and what to expect as you begin your journey.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 — a hormone that your body naturally produces in the gut in response to eating. It plays a pretty important role in managing your blood sugar and appetite. When you eat, GLP-1 is released and sends messages to your body that:
In people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, this natural GLP-1 response doesn’t always function optimally. That’s where GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications that mimic the hormone — come into play.
GLP-1 medications act just like the GLP-1 your body already makes — but in a stronger and longer-lasting way. By boosting the effects of this hormone, these medications can:
They’re not magic pills (or injections, technically), but for many people, they’re a powerful tool in the toolbox — especially when combined with healthy habits like balanced eating, regular movement, and self-care.
Originally developed for people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have made headlines recently for their unexpected but welcome side effect: significant weight loss.
Many people who were taking them to manage their blood sugar noticed they were losing weight too — and not just a few kilos here and there. Clinical trials began showing consistent, meaningful weight loss results in people with and without diabetes.
This has led to a growing interest in using GLP-1 medications off-label for weight loss, with many doctors in Australia now prescribing them for people with a high BMI or those struggling to lose weight through traditional methods.
In Australia, several GLP-1 receptor agonists are available. Here are the most common ones you might hear about:
Saxenda is specifically approved in Australia for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health problems. It’s injected daily and works similarly to other GLP-1s, though some people find the daily injections a bit more effort than weekly options.
Ozempic is one of the most well-known GLP-1 medications. It’s approved in Australia for managing type 2 diabetes, but many people also use it off-label for weight loss under a doctor’s guidance. It's taken once a week via a small injection.
Note: As of mid-2024, Ozempic has faced periodic shortages in Australia due to high global demand. If you're interested in this medication, speak to your GP about availability and alternatives.
Wegovy is another brand of semaglutide, like Ozempic, but formulated at a higher dose specifically for weight loss. It’s taken once a week via injection and has been shown in clinical trials to lead to 15% or more in total body weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
As of 2025, Wegovy is in the process of launching in Australia, with limited availability initially expected through private prescriptions. Unlike Ozempic, which is technically for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy is officially approved for chronic weight management — so it’s designed with non-diabetic users in mind.
Good to know: Because Wegovy is still new to Australia, supply may be limited at first. It’s worth talking to your doctor about when it might be available to you, and whether it’s a good option based on your medical history and goals.
Many people who have struggled with weight for years find that Wegovy helps quiet food noise, improves portion control, and offers a sense of calm around eating — all of which can make long-term success feel more achievable.
Mounjaro is a newer medication that’s made waves internationally and is now becoming available in Australia. It’s technically a dual agonist, meaning it works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, giving it a unique edge. Clinical trials have shown even greater weight loss results than with semaglutide (Ozempic). It’s injected weekly and is currently approved for type 2 diabetes, with off-label use for weight loss growing as access improves.
Heads up: If you're interested in Mounjaro, availability may vary depending on supply and PBS listing status, so speak with your doctor about access and cost.
Let’s be real: losing weight is hard. Anyone who’s tried the typical cycle of dieting, restriction, and overexercising knows how frustrating and emotional it can be.
GLP-1 medications change the game by working directly on the areas of the brain and gut that control hunger, fullness, and food cravings. Most people who take these medications report that they:
This doesn’t mean you don’t have to make lifestyle changes — but it can mean you’re working with your body instead of constantly fighting it.
Like all medications, GLP-1s can come with side effects. Not everyone experiences them, but it’s good to know what to expect:
For most people, side effects are mild and manageable — and often fade over time. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing it, as prescribed by your doctor, can help minimise discomfort.
Most GLP-1s are given as injections, using a pen-style device with a very small needle. If you’re squeamish about needles — don’t worry! Many people find them much easier and less painful than expected.
Your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to use the device properly, and it typically becomes routine very quickly.
Not necessarily. While GLP-1s were first approved for people with type 2 diabetes, many are now prescribed for people without diabetes who are struggling with overweight or obesity — particularly if weight is impacting other aspects of their health.
In Australia, Saxenda is officially approved for weight management, while Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for diabetes but may be prescribed “off-label” for weight loss. Your doctor can help you decide what’s appropriate based on your unique health needs.
While everyone is different, here are some general expectations based on clinical research and real-world experience:
Consistency is key, and pairing medication with healthy lifestyle changes — like meal planning, gentle movement, and mindset work — makes a huge difference.
It depends on the medication and your medical condition:
Because of the cost, it’s important to have a chat with your doctor about whether a GLP-1 is right for you and what options are available.
For some people, GLP-1 medications are used as a short-term tool to jumpstart weight loss and create healthy habits. For others, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes or long-term obesity, they may be part of ongoing care.
If you stop taking a GLP-1, weight regain can happen — especially if old habits return. That’s why support, education, and mindset work (like what we offer here in GLP1 Lifestyle!) are so important. The goal is to build skills and habits you can maintain, with or without medication.
GLP-1 medications are transforming the way we think about weight loss and health — not as a matter of willpower, but as a complex interaction of biology, behaviour, and environment.
If you’ve struggled with weight for years and felt frustrated or ashamed, please know: it’s not your fault. These medications offer hope, not because they "fix" you, but because they support you while you do the work of building a healthier, more confident life.
As with any medical treatment, the best outcomes happen when you’re informed, supported, and working in partnership with a trusted healthcare provider. And that’s exactly what we’re here to help with — one step at a time.
At GLP1 Lifestyle, we’re here to walk this journey with you — whether you’re thinking about starting a GLP-1, already on one, or just looking for guidance and community.
Members get:
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s do it together.
👉 Join the GLP1 Lifestyle membership today and start building a healthier life — with real support and zero judgment.
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Disclaimer: The content provided on this website, including all emails, live sessions and community discussions, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor or another qualified professional before beginning or continuing any GLP-1 medication or weight loss program. This membership does not replace professional medical care, and any decisions regarding your health should always be made in partnership with a healthcare provider.