Obesity in Australia

According to the latest available data, about 12.5 million people across Australia (roughly 67% of adults) are overweight or obese.¹ This is a 10% increase over the last two decades - and since overweight and obesity increases the chances of developing various chronic conditions this is a cause for concern.^1
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Even after losing weight weight regain can be a challenge, with more than 50% of weight lost being regained within two years, and up to 80% by five years.² 

Obesity is still considered to be caused by a lack of willpower, where people need to eat less and move more.³ However, this is not the case, as obesity is a complex, chronic condition involving a lot more factors than diet and exercise alone.³

There is no one-size-fits all approach to obesity

Obesity is not a simple condition so the solution may not be simple. Take the first step and seek help from a healthcare professional

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What types of prescription weight loss medications are available in Australia?

There are several forms of weight loss medications available in Australia. Some are pills that can be taken orally, while others are given as injections under the skin.³ Whether the medication comes as a weight loss pill or weight loss injection will depend on the type of medication your doctor thinks is right for you.

• Helping to reduce feelings of cravings
• Helping to suppress your appetite
• Helping to reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs 
• Helping food stay in the stomach a bit longer    

It is essential to understand that there is no perfect medication – what works for one person may not work for another.  Your doctor is best placed to advise on which approach might be most suitable for you.

How are weight loss medications given?

There are several forms of weight loss medications available in Australia. Some are pills that can be taken orally while others are given as injections under the skin.³ Whether the medication comes as a weight loss pill or weight loss injection will depend on the type of medication your doctor thinks is right for you. 

What are the potential side effects of weight loss medication?

The potential side effects will depend on the specific medication you have been prescribed. This is because each medication works in a different way in the body.³ Potential side effects may include:³

• Heart beating faster
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Excessive gas, diarrhoea or constipation
• Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting  

If you are concerned about side effects, always talk to your doctor and ask them any questions you may have. 

How do you choose between medications for obesity treatment? 

There are a lot of factors that go into which obesity medication might be right for you, so always consult a doctor first. They will look at into different factors like your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as well as any obesity-related conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes and your risk of cardiovascular disease.<sup>5

‍</sup>To help them decide which medication is right for you they will ask you questions about your eating habits and behaviours to better understand some of the challenges you face when it comes to weight loss. There various eating behaviours related to obesity, and medications tend to work better when their mechanism of action is matched to the type of eating.⁶ For example, people who eat to help cope with emotions, or because it triggers the reward centre of your brain to 'feel good' (known as emotional or hedonic eating) may benefit from a medication that works differently to those who experience abnormal feelings of fullness after eating.⁶ 

Your doctor will make the decision on medication together with you, taking into consideration your unique needs and circumstances.

What goes into a sustainable weight loss plan?

No matter what approach you take to weight management, sustainability relies on several factors. These include:⁷

• Seeking regular help from medical professionals
• Tailoring any approach to your individual needs
• Assessing your eating behaviours, such as how you react to stimuli, any changes in how you think about food
• Your ability to monitor yourself and your eating habits (self-ownership)
• Your problem solving abilities, social support and contingency plans

It’s important to understand that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. As such, it requires a long-term strategy - there are no quick fixes available.³ Remember that lifestyle changes are going to be the cornerstone of any weight management approach, such as changes in diet (eating more foods high in nutrients rather than high in energy) or a reduced energy diet, as well as increasing physical activity.^8 
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What goals you set for yourself are also important. Here are a few suggestions to help achieve sustained weight loss:²

• Be realistic about your weight loss goals
• Be prepared for weight loss to take time
• Explore your motivations - check to see if they are external (looking better) or internal (feeling better)
• Talk to a mental health professional to put in place strategies for when you are tired, stressed or unmotivated (these are the contingency plans mentioned above)
• Decide how often you need contact with your healthcare team, such as a dietician or exercise physiologist and what signs you may need to see them more often could be
• Find what works for you - explore different ways to achieve your goals around diet and exercise

There is no one-size-fits all approach to obesity

Obesity is not a simple condition so the solution may not be simple. Take the first step and seek help from a healthcare professional

Start your online visit

Powered by

References

• Australian Government Institute of Health and Welfare, Overweight and Obesity (web article). Release date: 07 July 2022. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/overweight-and-obesity (accessed April 2023).
• Hall KD ans Kahan S, Med Clin North Am 2018;102(1):183–197.
• Markovic TP, et al. Obes Res Clin Pract 2022;16(5):353–363.
• Greenway FL, et al. Lancet 2010;376(9741):595–605.
• Perreault L, et al. ‘Obesity in adults: Overview of management’ UpToDate 2022.
• Acosta A, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2021;29(4):662–671.
• Bays HE, Golden A and Tondt J, Obesity Pillars 2022;3:100034.
• National Health and Medical Research Council (2013) Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. Melbourne: National Health and Medical Research Council.