Navigating the hype: My thoughts on weight loss medications
I don’t know about you but I’m seeing an increasing number of ads for weight loss drugs on my social media feeds lately. No doubt the algorithms have realised that I’m a woman in my 40s and that puts me in the target demographic.
Originally approved for type 2 diabetes, medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy (GLP-1 and GIP agonists), mimic hormones that help regulate blood sugar and appetite. These drugs are now increasingly being prescribed by doctors as a first-line weight loss treatment.
Recently, I had two female clients within one week tell me that they had been advised by their GP that they needed to lose weight. Both GPs then tried to prescribe a weight loss drug, without providing any advice about diet or lifestyle, and certainly with no explanation of potential adverse side effects. As you can probably guess, these clients didn’t want to go down the medication path, so they booked in with me instead!
Weight loss is hard for many people and these medications do work. People taking weight loss drugs lose weight quickly, without having to make diet and lifestyle changes, so it is seen as an easy, convenient option, particularly for those who have tried the conventional approach without success. But we also need to be aware of the long-term implications.
I want to make it clear that I am not anti-medication. Medicines definitely have their place - and save lives - so this post is not coming from a place of judgement. I do, however, see myself as an advocate for patient health, so I thought I would share my perspective on the pros and cons of weight loss drugs.
Advantages
Significant weight loss (often 10–20% of body weight or more)
Improved blood sugar control
Reduction in cardiovascular risk (particularly in high-risk patients)
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Disadvantages
Potential adverse effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
Reduced appetite (sometimes excessively so)
Less common but more serious:
Gallbladder issues (gallstones, cholecystitis)
Pancreatitis (rare but documented)
Kidney function changes due to dehydration
Risk of muscle loss with rapid weight loss
Potential worsening of diabetic retinopathy (in diabetics)
Mood changes in some patients
Most people regain weight once they stop unless they’ve made sustainable changes
Appetite suppression can reduce overall food intake, increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies if diet quality isn't prioritised
Psychological effects of long-term appetite suppression or disordered eating patterns
Rapid weight loss may lead to sarcopenia (muscle loss) unless resistance training and protein intake are prioritised
These medications are all given by weekly injection, which may not suit everyone.
Financial impacts
These drugs are often needed long-term in order to maintain results, as people frequently regain weight after stopping
In Australia, Ozempic and Mounjaro are not PBS-subsidised for weight loss, only for type 2 diabetes. This means years of high monthly out of pocket costs ($130 - $300+ per month), which is financially unsustainable for many people
While medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be effective weight loss tools, it's important to remember that pharmaceutical companies are driven by profit, not your long-term wellbeing. That’s why it’s crucial to look beyond the hype, ask questions and focus on sustainable lifestyle changes too.
I have helped many female clients to lose weight in my nutrition clinic, with a focus on small but impactful diet and lifestyle changes that are sustainable in the long-term. Some simple - and effective - strategies include increasing protein intake (aim for 1 - 1.2g protein per kg body weight per day), improving gut health, increasing diversity of plant foods in the diet and prioritising strength training. The weight may come off more gradually than with medication, but this approach supports your overall health, preserves muscle mass and leads to lasting lifestyle change.
Whether or not you decide to use weight loss medication, please don’t underestimate the importance of nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management. These are the real foundations that support sustainable health.
For help with weight loss, I encourage you to book a consultation or a free discovery call.
You might also like to check out some of my other blog posts:
Are diet foods effective for weight loss?
Is Ozempic safe for weight loss?
You can’t out-exercise a bad diet
How can you tell if you are making progress with your diet and lifestyle changes?