Doctors push for the addition of this drug to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. See why
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Disclaimer: This article does not constitute as medical advice. It's important to consult your general practitioner first before considering any of the drugs mentioned.
Health battles, especially combating obesity, have become increasingly critical over the years.
This time, Australian doctors are championing a cause that could revolutionise the way the country approaches weight loss.
Obesity has been a growing concern in Australia, with one in three adults classified as obese.
The condition goes beyond the physique; it could also reflect severe health issues.
Obesity could lead to a myriad of complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Traditional methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, are essential yet not enough on their own.
This is where medical intervention can play a pivotal role.
Doctors have been advocating for the inclusion of Mounjaro, a new-generation weight loss drug, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This move could make these treatments more accessible to the millions of Australians struggling with obesity.
Queensland resident Kate Fox could testify to Mounjaro's potential.
Ms Fox used to weigh around 110 to 115 kg but lost about 45 kg after using the injectable weight loss medication.
'It feels like it flipped a switch for me,' Ms Fox shared as she reflected on her weight loss journey.
Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for weight loss.
These drugs were hailed as the first of a new generation of medications that could aid in weight management.
Ozempic has already been subsidised for people with diabetes in Australia.
However, Wegovy and Mounjaro are not yet covered by the PBS despite their efficacy.
Dr Terri-Lynne South of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlighted the financial burden patients could face.
'On a private script at the lowest dose, its recommended retail price is $260, and at its highest dose, it's up to $460 per month,' Dr South shared.
This price point could be out of reach for many Australians, hence the push for its inclusion in PBS.
Should it be included in the PBS, the price could go down to a more manageable cost of $31.60 per month.
This move could help individuals lose weight and prevent the onset of obesity-related complications.
Here's a feature about Mounjaro on TODAY:
Source: TODAY/YouTube
The United Kingdom recently publicly funded these 'game-changing' drugs for selected patients to treat obesity.
However, in Australia, Wegovy has been knocked back for subsidy twice.
For individuals like Fox, the drug became a worthwhile investment in her health.
'The cost to us down the track will be lessened if we can optimise our health early on,' she said, emphasising the long-term benefits of managing obesity effectively.
The debate over weight loss drugs in the PBS is more than just about the cost; it is also about acknowledging obesity as a chronic disease.
As our members navigate the complexities of weight management, we understand the importance of affordable healthcare options.
Have you or someone you know faced challenges due to the high cost of weight loss medications? Should the PBS subsidise these drugs? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with weight loss treatments in the comments section below.
Health battles, especially combating obesity, have become increasingly critical over the years.
This time, Australian doctors are championing a cause that could revolutionise the way the country approaches weight loss.
Obesity has been a growing concern in Australia, with one in three adults classified as obese.
The condition goes beyond the physique; it could also reflect severe health issues.
Obesity could lead to a myriad of complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Mounjaro has been an alternative to the already-scarce Ozempic. Image Credit: Healthline
Traditional methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, are essential yet not enough on their own.
This is where medical intervention can play a pivotal role.
Doctors have been advocating for the inclusion of Mounjaro, a new-generation weight loss drug, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This move could make these treatments more accessible to the millions of Australians struggling with obesity.
Queensland resident Kate Fox could testify to Mounjaro's potential.
Ms Fox used to weigh around 110 to 115 kg but lost about 45 kg after using the injectable weight loss medication.
'It feels like it flipped a switch for me,' Ms Fox shared as she reflected on her weight loss journey.
Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for weight loss.
These drugs were hailed as the first of a new generation of medications that could aid in weight management.
Ozempic has already been subsidised for people with diabetes in Australia.
However, Wegovy and Mounjaro are not yet covered by the PBS despite their efficacy.
Dr Terri-Lynne South of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlighted the financial burden patients could face.
'On a private script at the lowest dose, its recommended retail price is $260, and at its highest dose, it's up to $460 per month,' Dr South shared.
This price point could be out of reach for many Australians, hence the push for its inclusion in PBS.
Should it be included in the PBS, the price could go down to a more manageable cost of $31.60 per month.
This move could help individuals lose weight and prevent the onset of obesity-related complications.
Here's a feature about Mounjaro on TODAY:
Source: TODAY/YouTube
The United Kingdom recently publicly funded these 'game-changing' drugs for selected patients to treat obesity.
However, in Australia, Wegovy has been knocked back for subsidy twice.
For individuals like Fox, the drug became a worthwhile investment in her health.
'The cost to us down the track will be lessened if we can optimise our health early on,' she said, emphasising the long-term benefits of managing obesity effectively.
The debate over weight loss drugs in the PBS is more than just about the cost; it is also about acknowledging obesity as a chronic disease.
As our members navigate the complexities of weight management, we understand the importance of affordable healthcare options.
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