Weight Loss Injections in Australia: Types, Costs & What to Expect in 2026
Weight Loss Injections in Australia: Types, Costs & What to Expect in 2026
By Dr. Jason Maani | Medically reviewed July 2026
Injectable weight loss medications are now the most effective non-surgical option available for managing obesity in Australia. If you’ve been hearing about Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro and wondering whether injections might work for you, this guide covers the essentials: what’s available, how they work, what results to expect, what they cost, and how to access them.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injections in Australia are subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of GLP-1 receptor agonists — a class of medication that mimics a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1 naturally rises after eating to signal your brain that you’re full. GLP-1 receptor agonists replicate this effect continuously, leading to:
- Reduced appetite and hunger
- Slower stomach emptying (you feel full longer)
- Better regulation of insulin and blood sugar
- Reduced cravings, particularly for high-calorie foods
The result is that most people naturally eat less — often significantly less — without the psychological struggle of willpower-based dieting.
Types of Weight Loss Injections Available in Australia
1. Ozempic (Semaglutide 0.5–2mg)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk Injection frequency: Once weekly TGA approval: Type 2 diabetes (weight loss use is off-label) PBS listed: Yes, for Type 2 diabetes Average weight loss: 12–15% of body weight
Ozempic is the most widely known GLP-1 injection in Australia. It’s TGA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and prescribed off-label for weight management. It’s injected weekly using a pre-filled pen into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
2. Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk Injection frequency: Once weekly TGA approval: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with comorbidity PBS listed: No Average weight loss: 15–17% of body weight
Wegovy is the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but at a higher 2.4mg dose, and is specifically TGA-approved for weight management rather than diabetes. It consistently outperforms Ozempic for weight loss due to the higher dose.
3. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide 2.5–15mg)
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly Injection frequency: Once weekly TGA approval: Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management PBS listed: No (for weight management) Average weight loss: 20–22% of body weight
Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — it activates two receptor types simultaneously, producing stronger effects than semaglutide alone. It currently produces the highest average weight loss of any injectable medication available in Australia.
4. Saxenda (Liraglutide 3mg)
Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk Injection frequency: Once daily TGA approval: Chronic weight management PBS listed: No Average weight loss: 5–9% of body weight
Saxenda was the first GLP-1 injection specifically approved for weight management in Australia. It has been largely superseded by semaglutide (Wegovy) due to lower efficacy, more frequent dosing, and similar cost. Some patients may still be prescribed it.
Comparison at a Glance
| Medication | Frequency | Avg. Weight Loss | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (PBS, diabetes) | Weekly | 12–15% | $32–44 |
| Ozempic (private, off-label) | Weekly | 12–15% | $200–350 |
| Wegovy | Weekly | 15–17% | $350–500 |
| Mounjaro | Weekly | 20–22% | $350–600 |
| Saxenda | Daily | 5–9% | $250–350 |
How to Inject — What to Expect
All approved GLP-1 injections use a pre-filled, disposable pen. The injection is given into fat tissue (subcutaneous) — the abdomen, outer thigh, or back of the upper arm are the most common sites.
The process:
- Remove pen from fridge 30 minutes before use (slightly warmer is more comfortable)
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
- Pinch the skin and insert the needle (typically 4–6mm, very fine gauge)
- Press the plunger; hold for 5–10 seconds
- Dispose of the needle safely (sharps container)
Most people find the injections painless or nearly so after the first few doses. The needles are very short and fine — significantly less uncomfortable than blood tests.
Dose escalation: All GLP-1 medications start at a low dose and are gradually increased over several months to the target dose. This minimises nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects during the adjustment period.
Side Effects
The most common side effects occur during dose escalation:
- Nausea — very common in the first 4–8 weeks; usually improves significantly
- Vomiting — particularly if you eat too quickly or in large portions
- Constipation — common; can be managed with fluids, fibre and movement
- Diarrhoea — less common than constipation; usually temporary
- Fatigue — particularly during early dose escalation
- Reduced appetite — often considered the intended effect, not a side effect
Tips to manage nausea:
- Eat smaller portions more slowly
- Avoid fatty, greasy or heavily spiced foods during escalation
- Stay well hydrated
- Inject at bedtime so you sleep through peak nausea
Serious side effects are uncommon. Discuss your personal risk factors with your prescribing doctor before starting.
Who Can Get Weight Loss Injections in Australia?
Access requires a prescription. Your doctor will typically assess:
- BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with weight-related health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)
- Medical history including thyroid disease, pancreatitis, or history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (contraindications)
- Current medications and interactions
- Pregnancy (all GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in pregnancy)
GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone, and telehealth prescriptions without proper clinical assessment carry risks. Seek a prescriber who takes a thorough history and follows up regularly.
Accessing Injections in Australia
GP: Your general practitioner can prescribe Ozempic for diabetes. Weight management prescriptions may vary by GP willingness and clinical context.
Endocrinologist or bariatric physician: Specialists in metabolic health or obesity medicine are well-placed to prescribe and monitor GLP-1 medications for weight management.
Bariatric/obesity clinics: Many multidisciplinary clinics now offer GLP-1 prescribing alongside dietitian and psychological support — often the best environment for managing these medications.
Telehealth: Several online platforms now prescribe GLP-1 medications after questionnaire-based assessments. Be cautious — some platforms offer insufficient clinical oversight. Ensure any telehealth provider includes proper follow-up, not just prescription delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are weight loss injections available over the counter in Australia? A: No. All GLP-1 weight loss injections (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda) require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner in Australia. They are not available without a prescription.
Q: How quickly do weight loss injections work? A: Most people notice reduced appetite within the first 2–4 weeks. Visible weight loss typically begins within 4–8 weeks. The most significant results occur at 3–6 months as the full therapeutic dose is reached. Peak results in clinical trials are seen at 12–18 months.
Q: Is Ozempic or Mounjaro better for weight loss? A: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) produces greater average weight loss than Ozempic — approximately 20–22% vs 12–15%. However, Ozempic has PBS listing for Type 2 diabetes (dramatically reducing cost), has more long-term safety data, and is appropriate for many patients. The best choice depends on individual circumstances.
Q: Can I get weight loss injections if I don’t have diabetes? A: Yes. Wegovy and Mounjaro are TGA-approved in Australia for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related health conditions, regardless of diabetes status. Ozempic’s weight loss use is off-label for non-diabetes patients.
Q: What happens if I stop taking weight loss injections? A: Most people regain a significant portion of lost weight after stopping GLP-1 injections — typically within 12 months. These medications are generally intended as long-term treatment, similar to blood pressure or cholesterol medication. Stopping should be discussed with your doctor.
Q: Are weight loss injections covered by Medicare in Australia? A: Ozempic is PBS-listed for Type 2 diabetes (dramatically reducing cost). Wegovy and Mounjaro are not currently PBS-listed for weight management, meaning full private cost applies. Medicare does not cover these medications for weight management as of July 2026.
The Bottom Line
Weight loss injections — particularly Wegovy and Mounjaro — represent the most effective non-surgical weight loss tools available in Australia today. They work by addressing the hormonal drivers of weight gain, not just willpower, and produce results that no commercial diet programme can match.
They are not magic solutions. They require ongoing use to maintain results, they have side effects, and they’re expensive without PBS support. But for the right patient, they can be transformative.
Read our full guide to GLP-1 medications in Australia or compare Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro for a deeper comparison.
Dr. Jason Maani is the founder of The 99 Percent. This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice.