Obesity in Australia is rising, with four in five older adults overweight or obese, fueling debate over subsidising weight-loss drugs on the PBS.

In Australia, Wegovy is subsidised only for patients with obesity who have already suffered a stroke or heart attack, resulting in high out-of-pocket costs for many, potentially up to several thousand dollars per year.

The overall message is that medication alone won’t solve the obesity crisis; even with subsidies, demand may outstrip supply, so broader access is needed to generate meaningful public health benefits.

Researchers and clinicians are pressing for broader PBS access to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, with recommendations delivered to list Wegovy for individuals with BMI 35 and established cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Giles Yeo argues these drugs are not cosmetic and can treat obesity while reducing related disease risk, but restricted access creates equity concerns and may limit public health impact.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, and weight-bearing exercise is advised to help mitigate muscle loss.

Experts warn that funding alone won’t solve the problem due to access constraints, eligibility criteria, and supply limits, even in countries like the UK where most users pay privately.

Globally, the World Health Organization endorses these medications for long-term obesity treatment, though effectiveness varies and a portion of patients may not respond.