Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Melbourne, VIC

Any GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management is a prescription-only (Schedule 4) medicine and requires a prescription from an AHPRA-registered doctor, who decides whether it is clinically appropriate. They are generally not PBS-subsidised for weight loss, so they are paid privately. This is general information, not a recommendation or an offer to supply; discuss suitability, risks and cost with your own doctor.

Published clinical-trial programmes for TGA-approved GLP-1 medicines (STEP for semaglutide, SURMOUNT for tirzepatide) report ranges of average weight change over set durations. The TGA Product Information for each medicine is the source of truth for indications, dosing and trial data. Real-world results vary by patient and may differ from trial averages. Discuss expected outcomes with your prescriber, not a comparison website.

TGA Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) for each GLP-1 medicine lists the full side-effect profile, contraindications and warnings. Common side effects reported across trials include gastrointestinal symptoms during titration. Less common but serious risks are listed in the CMI. Search for the CMI for the specific medicine at tga.gov.au and discuss any concerns with your prescriber.

Both bariatric surgery and TGA-approved GLP-1 medicines are weight-management options used in Australia, with different indications, costs, side-effect profiles and recovery timelines. Eligibility for either is set by your treating clinician based on current Australian guidelines. We do not recommend a pathway. Your GP or an obesity-medicine specialist will discuss which option (if any) is appropriate for your circumstances, including risks, benefits, costs and long-term plan.

Gastric sleeve $18-25k, gastric bypass $20-30k all-inclusive in private hospitals. Private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover typically pays $5-10k of this, leaving $8-18k out-of-pocket. Public hospital bariatric surgery exists in some states for BMI 40+ but waitlists are 2-5 years. Cost includes surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, and usually post-op follow-up. Doesn't include pre-op dietitian/psych assessments ($1,000-$2,500).

Australian telehealth services operate under TGA and AHPRA regulation with Australian-registered prescribers. Things to weigh up include a less thorough physical assessment than in-person care, how easily you can reach the prescriber if an issue arises, and ensuring lifestyle support is part of the program, not just medication. Whether telehealth or in-person care suits your circumstances is best discussed with a qualified practitioner, particularly if you have a complex medical history.

Yes, in most cases. Studies show people regain 30-50% of lost weight within 12 months of stopping GLP-1 medication if no other intervention is made. Best practice is to view GLP-1s as a long-term medication (like blood pressure medication) rather than a temporary intervention. Strong lifestyle changes during medication use (sustainable diet, regular exercise, behaviour change) reduce regain. Some users transition from weekly to fortnightly dosing as a maintenance strategy.