Disclaimer: The content presented in this article should not be construed as medical advice. Please seek guidance from healthcare providers before engaging in any treatments discussed.

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle and weight management, Australians have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new player in the pharmaceutical arena.

After a two-year wait, a weight-loss drug will grace local chemists' shelves starting next week.

This news has sparked a wave of excitement among those looking to shed extra kilos with a bit of help from modern medicine.

Wegovy, produced by the same company behind Ozempic, was approved for marketing as a chronic weight management drug two years ago.

However, due to supply issues, its launch in Australia faced delays.

Now, with the distribution concerns ironed out, the drug is finally making its debut in pharmacies starting Monday, 5 August.

The benefits of weight loss drugs like Wegovy extend far beyond the numbers on the scale.

Wegovy, which comes in multiple doses, should be on sale in pharmacies starting next week. Image Credit: Wegovy

Obesity Specialist Dr Georgia Rigas highlighted the multifaceted advantages of such medications.

'We're seeing medications such as Wegovy having multiple benefits beyond weight loss,' Dr Rigas said.

These benefits include improvements in blood pressure, heart disease, kidney function, and even fertility.

Wegovy operates on the same principle as Ozempic, as it mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate hunger and appetite.

For those considering this option, the recommended monthly dose on a private prescription could cost about $460.

To be considered for a Wegovy prescription, patients must meet specific criteria.

They need to be classified as overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related complication.

It's a targeted approach to ensure that the drug is available to those who could maximise the medicine's benefits.

Experts stepped in and reminded health enthusiasts that Wegovy is more than just a standalone solution.

It is most effective when used along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Despite its potential benefits, attempts to add Wegovy to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) have been unsuccessful.

For now, patients will need to bear the full cost of the medication.

As we look forward to the availability of Wegovy, it's essential to have an open and informed discussion with healthcare professionals about its suitability for individual health needs.

Weight management is a complex journey, and while Wegovy may be a helpful addition to many, it is not a universal solution.

For our readers who may be considering weight loss options, it's crucial to consult with your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits of Wegovy.

Your health and well-being should always be the top priority.

Key Takeaways

• Wegovy, a sister drug to Ozempic, will be available in Australian pharmacies starting next week, following a two-year delay due to supply issues.
• The drug has been approved for weight management and has multiple health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure, kidney function, and fertility.
• Wegovy functions by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 to control hunger but requires a higher weekly dosage.
• A monthly supply of Wegovy will cost approximately $460 on a private prescription and should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Have you had experiences with weight loss medications? Are you considering Wegovy as part of your health regimen? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below, and let's navigate the path to wellness together.

 

[Lizzie1149]

Would not touch weight loss stuff like this. You have no idea how your body will react to it. It is still putting a foreign substance in your body. Mostly without much info on risks. We've had this with the covid jabs and look at the issue that has caused. I have found that losing weight is ideal but you can still get good blood work without it. I do have some issues with health but I tend to blame a lot of years eating junk like cereals, lots of fruit and lots of commercially made stuff that is full of ingredients that are not natural. Not to mention sugary and diet drinks. We also spend too much time inside and not enough time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Also people are now using sunscreens and specialised clothing to cover up when they should be allowing their bodies to be exposed to the sunshine (no not get burned just short time to allow our bodies to make vitamin D which is a natural sunscreen). All about the money and nothing about the health

 

[Colette 3799]

I think I’ll give it a miss. I hate needles and I would definitely have a problem giving myself an injection. I can’t even do the finger prick for my diabetes! I’m such a suck lol

 

[Gsr]

until it is listed on the PBS it will be unaffordable to the majority of people who could benefit from it.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Not considering but am on Ozempic. Have numerous reasons to lose weight including Diabetes. Have lost a fair bit already and am down to size 14.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Would not touch weight loss stuff like this. You have no idea how your body will react to it. It is still putting a foreign substance in your body. Mostly without much info on risks. We've had this with the covid jabs and look at the issue that has caused. I have found that losing weight is ideal but you can still get good blood work without it. I do have some issues with health but I tend to blame a lot of years eating junk like cereals, lots of fruit and lots of commercially made stuff that is full of ingredients that are not natural. Not to mention sugary and diet drinks. We also spend too much time inside and not enough time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Also people are now using sunscreens and specialised clothing to cover up when they should be allowing their bodies to be exposed to the sunshine (no not get burned just short time to allow our bodies to make vitamin D which is a natural sunscreen). All about the money and nothing about the health

I was put on Ozempic after about 2 years of uncontrolled Diabetes. It has helped me a great deal. I would not take any form of medication including health ones unless prescribed. I have had triple bypass as well as aortic valve replacement first 1997 then in 2014. I'm also on insulin twice a day and the Ozempic once weekly

 

[Smithlou]

Would not touch weight loss stuff like this. You have no idea how your body will react to it. It is still putting a foreign substance in your body. Mostly without much info on risks. We've had this with the covid jabs and look at the issue that has caused. I have found that losing weight is ideal but you can still get good blood work without it. I do have some issues with health but I tend to blame a lot of years eating junk like cereals, lots of fruit and lots of commercially made stuff that is full of ingredients that are not natural. Not to mention sugary and diet drinks. We also spend too much time inside and not enough time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Also people are now using sunscreens and specialised clothing to cover up when they should be allowing their bodies to be exposed to the sunshine (no not get burned just short time to allow our bodies to make vitamin D which is a natural sunscreen). All about the money and nothing about the health

 

[Smithlou]

Would not touch weight loss stuff like this. You have no idea how your body will react to it. It is still putting a foreign substance in your body. Mostly without much info on risks. We've had this with the covid jabs and look at the issue that has caused. I have found that losing weight is ideal but you can still get good blood work without it. I do have some issues with health but I tend to blame a lot of years eating junk like cereals, lots of fruit and lots of commercially made stuff that is full of ingredients that are not natural. Not to mention sugary and diet drinks. We also spend too much time inside and not enough time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Also people are now using sunscreens and specialised clothing to cover up when they should be allowing their bodies to be exposed to the sunshine (no not get burned just short time to allow our bodies to make vitamin D which is a natural sunscreen). All about the money and nothing about the health

agree with this statement

 

[BellaB18]

Here we go again promises for the magic wand to loose weight. See what happens when one stops this medication.
Kind to all Vicki