Advancements in medical science has led to revolutionary changes in the way we medically treat obesity. There are now several prescription medications available in Australia to treat overweight and obesity. When used in combination with dietary changes and regular exercise, these medications can lead to clinically significant weight loss. Weight loss medications can be used in patients who:
It is important to note that these values are lower for people with certain ethnic backgrounds. Your doctor will be able to perform an assessment to see if medications are right for you.
At MedSurg Weight Loss we take the time to get to know you and understand your health history and weight-loss goals. We work with you to ensure the recommended medication aligns with your needs and is safe for you to take, as well as providing advice for managing any potential side effects. Every patient receives a thorough assessment by our doctors, who create a unique treatment plan tailored to your individual requirements. If suitable for you, medications can be used as standalone therapy or in combination with other interventions such as bariatric surgery.
There are several different types of weight loss medications available to treat overweight and obesity. Not every medication is suited to every person. Some medications are contraindicated for patients with particular medical conditions, some people don’t respond to certain medications, and others cannot tolerate the side effects. We work closely with you to select the medication that is likely to be successful in achieving weight loss, and we make changes to the treatment plan depending on your individual experiences if required. Medical management of overweight and obesity is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, we understand this. Your circumstances are unique to you, and we are here every step of the way to help you to navigate your weight loss journey.
No. Currently there are no medications listed on the PBS for management of overweight and obesity. Though this doesn’t mean you can’t have access to them. Weight-loss medications are prescribed by your GP or Bariatric Doctor as a private prescription and can be accessed at most Pharmacies.
Yes. Like all medications, weight loss medications have a side effects profile, though reassuringly, most of the side effects settle down over a short period of time. Mostly these medications are very well tolerated once you are established on a therapeutic dose. Your GP or Bariatric Doctor is the best person to speak to regarding medication side effects. The different medication options have different side effect profiles, and every person will experience side effects in different ways. Your doctor will work with you to navigate any side effects and help you to achieve the best result from your weight loss medication.
Weight loss medications work in different ways. Some work to reduce the hunger drive and improve satiety. Some work by reducing food cravings. Some work by blocking absorption of fats in the digestive system. By understanding your medical history, weight history and psychological history, your doctor can assess which medication would be best suited to you as an individual. We perform physical, psychological and metabolic testing to ensure that the correct medication is prescribed to the correct person and we help you to navigate any side effects or concerns you have to improve your chances at effective and long term weight loss.
