Doctors push for the addition of this drug to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. See why

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.


compressed-Mounjaro.jpeg
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.
Key Takeaways

  • Doctors have been advocating for weight loss drugs to be covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to make them affordable.
  • Injectable weight loss medications like Mounjaro have shown significant results, but patients currently face high costs without subsidy.
  • The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners emphasised the potential health benefits of these drugs in preventing obesity-related complications.
  • The United Kingdom has started subsidising such medications. However, proposals for subsidy in Australia have been rejected twice.
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.
 
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I don`t use weight loss medications. I do have a problem with weight management, of course I would like to loose extra weight, but am sceptical about these wonder drugs, they are not without complications. Once you start using them and loose weight you realy cannot stop taking them unless you undergo a complete change of lifestyle. Which means change of diet, more exercise and healthier lifestyle. The long term side effects are still not known.
 
I am on Metformin which is a table for Type 2 Diabetes. I am pre-Diabetic, which is characterized by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
my weight is slowly coming down. I would rather a tablet than an injection.
 
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I've been on ozempic for 5 months for type 2 diabetes. I've loss 40kg. I think I'm going to need to come off it as I really can't lose anymore weight.

My daughter who has lung problems and put on a lot of weight because of her medication is on wegovy and we pay $280.

I'm all for these meds going on the pbs for weight loss but should only be described to those who are a certain number over weight otherwise everyone will be using it.

Me now at 54kg and a size 10. I was 92 kg and a size 16 before . I was always a 10 / 12 but due to medical negligence put on a lot of weight.

This photo was taken yesterday
THe second photo was taken last week
Screenshot_20250403_101903_Gallery.jpg
Screenshot_20250326_153939_Gallery.jpg
This is a before and after picture , I have loss 5kg after the after photo was taken 6 weeks ago
Screenshot_20250403_102217_Gallery.jpg
 
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I've been on ozempic for 5 months for type 2 diabetes. I've loss 40kg. I think I'm going to need to come off it as I really can't lose anymore weight.

My daughter who has lung problems and put on a lot of weight because of her medication is on wegovy and we pay $280.

I'm all for these meds going on the pbs for weight loss but should only be described to those who are a certain number over weight otherwise everyone will be using it.

Me now at 54kg and a size 10. I was 92 kg and a size 16 before . I was always a 10 / 12 but due to medical negligence put on a lot of weight.

This photo was taken yesterday
THe second photo was taken last week
View attachment 71817
View attachment 71818
This is a before and after picture , I have loss 5kg after the after photo was taken 6 weeks ago
View attachment 71820
I am now 48kg over weight (BMI 47) due to damage to my spine. I could not walk for 18 months. After surgery 2 weeks ago I am now up and about using a walker. Being on Metformin is helping me, lost 4kg in the last 3 weeks. I am looking forward to being size 12/14 by the end of the year.
 
I am now 48kg over weight (BMI 47) due to damage to my spine. I could not walk for 18 months. After surgery 2 weeks ago I am now up and about using a walker. Being on Metformin is helping me, lost 4kg in the last 3 weeks. I am looking forward to being size 12/14 by the end of the year.
I wish you well and I'm sure you will do it
 
Weight increase is not always due to diet or lack of exercise.
It can be the side effect of essential medication used for a chronic health problem.
There are illnesses that cause weight gain
Thats true but for those that haven't illnesses causing weight increase l would rather exercise as there are always side affects when taking drugs
 
I think it should be on the PBS as doctors still control its distribution via prescription. Those that genuinely need help loosing excess weight will be able to get access to a possible life saving drug alleviating strain on healthcare down the track. Win win
 

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